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first fish ever please help!!!

Discussion in 'Cichlids' started by firstfish, Mar 24, 2011.

  1. firstfish

    firstfish Thread Starter New Member

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    okay so we bought a tank last week and we decided to get a cichlid fish. We talked to people at the store but i dont think they know what they are talking about. The fish tank water was super clean and then got cloudy. we went to the pet store to get the fish and they said it was fine to put it in the water. but it doesnt seem right. now we were thinking about completely cleaning the tank and adding new water. how should we go about this? use straight tap water and add the cleaner or just put distilled water.? please help we dont want the fish to die. [icon_e_sad.gif]
     
    firstfish, Mar 24, 2011
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  2. WhiteGloveAquatics

    WhiteGloveAquatics New Member

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    Fish might die, the tank didnt go thru the nitrogen cycle. I would take the fish back and trade it for some zebra danios and cycle it that way, the cloudiness is a bacteria bloom and will go away on its own.

    Dont tear the tank apart, this is 100% natural to happen, but you are right, the staff had no clue what to do except take your money.
     
    WhiteGloveAquatics, Mar 24, 2011
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  3. firstfish

    firstfish Thread Starter New Member

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    i cant take the fish back. its non refundable. so theres no way to clean it safe of help keep the fish alive? and how long does it take for the water to become clear again?
     
    firstfish, Mar 24, 2011
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  4. MOD_Dawn

    MOD_Dawn Active Member

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    Change 25-50% of your water, add a quality dechlorinator BEFORE adding fresh water of equal temperature back...then use an instant cycler... tetra safe start of TLC SmartStart.

    If you have a reputible local fish store nearby see if they are able to sell you a used sponge filter and hook it up to an airpump using airline tubing.

    This will get you started to where you need to be! Lots of great informative articles on the forum (can use the search) regarding how to setup and maintain an aquarium.

    ~Good Luck!
     
    MOD_Dawn, Mar 24, 2011
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