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New tank setup- dying fish

Discussion in 'Fish Diseases & Cures' started by crayondragon, Jun 20, 2009.

  1. jrow8162

    jrow8162 Member

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    From the pic the tank looks really good!
     
  2. Anthony

    Anthony Active Member

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    Is that a tetra filter that has the little blue/black inserts ? Normally you can reuse them a time or two just by cleaning them, which will save you money as well.

    To start off with I wouldn't replace it for a good 2 months, but that's just me.
     
  3. jrow8162

    jrow8162 Member

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    I agree.
     
  4. crayondragon

    crayondragon Thread Starter New Member

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    Yes it is a tetra I believe. It might be a something Tech. I don't remember. I'd have to dig out the box. Okay, so I will leave the filter in for a few months. I'm sure that this promotes good bacteria and helps fight off anything that would go amiss with the tank?
     
  5. Anthony

    Anthony Active Member

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    Correct. Beneficial Bacteria is what eats the ammonia the fish produce. The bacteria attaches itself to things like the substrate, plants, decorations and especially your filter.
     
  6. crayondragon

    crayondragon Thread Starter New Member

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    Just checked my water again this morning. Ammonia is still at a 2.0. So I will be taking 2 gallons out and adding more prime to the water. I'll test it when I'm complete with that and let you know from there.
     
  7. crayondragon

    crayondragon Thread Starter New Member

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    Just did a 25% water change... and the water appears to still be at a 2.0. I removed 25% of the water (about 2.5 gallons) and added the 10 drops of prime that was recommended. What am I doing wrong?!
     
  8. crayondragon

    crayondragon Thread Starter New Member

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    It actually looks like a 1.0 instead. It might be between.
     
  9. Anthony

    Anthony Active Member

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    If it was at 2ppm before and you changed 25% of the water it should be below two but not quite 1ppm.
     
  10. crayondragon

    crayondragon Thread Starter New Member

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    It's kinda hard to tell when you are new to this. lol I do believe you are 100% right. I think its about like a 1.5 or a little lower. Cause it's still a little darker than 1.
     
  11. Anthony

    Anthony Active Member

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    Yep about 1.5ppm should be right.
     
  12. crayondragon

    crayondragon Thread Starter New Member

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    What should I do now? Is it just a waiting game? Or should I re-test? Take more water out?
     
  13. Anthony

    Anthony Active Member

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    Just continue to do a partial water change every other day and add the prime at the same time. The ammonia should begin to slowly go down as the bacteria grows and starts to eat it.
     
  14. crayondragon

    crayondragon Thread Starter New Member

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    I was wondering if it would be alright to do a partial water change tonight as my husband will not be home until LATE tomorrow night.
     
  15. Anthony

    Anthony Active Member

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    It's not recommended to do one every day but you should be fine.
     
  16. crayondragon

    crayondragon Thread Starter New Member

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    I just did a 25% water change... Tested the water before hand and it looked pretty close to a .75, it might even have been a 1.0.

    Now it's a .5, maybe even a .25. The color is kinda confusing to me. The way the light hits it it's hard to tell. I'll check it again on Saturday and let you know! Thanks for helping!
     
  17. Anthony

    Anthony Active Member

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    Looks like things are getting better ! [dancing]
     
  18. crayondragon

    crayondragon Thread Starter New Member

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    Checked my water again this morning. The ammonia is at a .25 for sure! :D Can't wait until I do my next water change on Saturday!
     
  19. Anthony

    Anthony Active Member

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    I would actually wait until that ammonia goes back up to about 1ppm and do the water change then. .25 isn't too bad considering your tank is cycling.
     
  20. crayondragon

    crayondragon Thread Starter New Member

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    How long does it take a tank to cycle? I've had the tank almost a month now. :)