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Lowering Alkalinity, health issues

Discussion in 'Cichlids' started by Anonymous, Jul 28, 2008.

  1. Anonymous

    Anonymous Thread Starter Guest

    Top Poster Of Month

    I noticed my some of my fish swimming at the op of the tank, well floating there would be a better word. I have checked ammonia, nitrates, pH, water hardness, etc. All are in the ideal range according to my strips. The only things I have added are a limestone rock, but like I said I checked the pH and it is in the exact range for my cichlids (8.2 for africans). The only other thing I can think of is the moss ball I bought at the petstore for giggles is being held down by a lead weight. Is there a chance that this is the problem?

    Also, while testing the water I noticed that the alkalinity was a little high, any advice will help.
     
    Anonymous, Jul 28, 2008
    #1
  2. Anthony

    Anthony Active Member

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    The problem is likely your test strips. You should always use liquid test kits. Strips don't give accurate results.
     
    Anthony, Jul 28, 2008
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  3. noshow discus

    noshow discus New Member

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    if fish are floating at top< and are not dead> i suggest a fast 50-75% water change
     
    noshow discus, Jul 28, 2008
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  4. Anthony

    Anthony Active Member

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    Make sure your tank doesn't have too much current too.
     
    Anthony, Jul 28, 2008
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  5. Anonymous

    Anonymous Thread Starter Guest

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    Sadly, I lost two good friends today, a peacock and a blood parrot, :( . I have done a 50% water change they are still just sitting at the top, despite the blood parrot dying the other 4 seem to be doing the best behaiving normally, but my others are doing terrible. In the morning I am going to go to the lfs and get the liquid test kits and try to save my babes.
     
    Anonymous, Jul 28, 2008
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  6. Anthony

    Anthony Active Member

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    I hope everything goes well and everyone survives the night. Let us know the results ASAP.
     
    Anthony, Jul 28, 2008
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  7. Anonymous

    Anonymous Thread Starter Guest

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    Fish seemed t be doing better this morning, I am keeping a close eye on them as I was unable to get to the petstore today, I got called into work early and got off late :x Its been a long terrible day lol. Will post more info when I have it. Thanls for all of your help!
     
    Anonymous, Jul 30, 2008
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  8. Penycat

    Penycat New Member

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    What's the temp you have your tank set at? I so hope that you'll figure it out and I'm so sorry about the loss of those 2. i hate losing my fish:(
     
    Penycat, Jul 31, 2008
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  9. noshow discus

    noshow discus New Member

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    a quick tip feed them the frozen blood worms for a week straight makes it easy to check the poop for the unwanted stuff plus it kind of cleans them out and is a good source of protien
     
    noshow discus, Jul 31, 2008
    #9
  10. Anonymous

    Anonymous Thread Starter Guest

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    Thanks for the tip and I have actually just bought bloodworms and started feeding them the blood worms once a day so that works out well. Also, the temp is apr 75 degrees
     
    Anonymous, Jul 31, 2008
    #10