The fish also keep rising to the top of the tank D: please people i need answers, currently running air pump, i heard that they could be rising to the top because of lack of oxygen. And also because of the Nitrates or nitrites are high, but how is that possible since this tank has been used before i thought this only occurs when its a new fish tank with no bacteria in it before.
How long since the tank was last used since you bought it? If the tank sat in a basement for a weeks weeks since its last use, all the benefecial bacteria is dead, and you will need to start pretty much from scratch.
If the tank was running and the filter media was kept wet during down time (breakdown of tank and transportation), then it's possible your tank is going through a mini-cycle. Which is ok too.
Some questions which will help figure out your problem:
1) How long was the down time of the filter?
2) Did you keep it wet during the move if the filter was being used at time of purchase?
3) size of tank and kind of filter
You need to also get a water sample tested to see where your levels are. Do this as soon as possible and we can go from there, a pwc (partial water change) woudn't hurt either. Change out about 20% of your water.
Cycling is a process which can tank weeks or even months to complete, you need to be patient and if you are starting from scratch, you will be looking at almost daily water changes to keep your levels in check and save your fish.
Well if you bought it at Flea Market, chances are all of that benefical bacteria is now dead. i know it's not the news you want to hear, but its sounding like your are starting from scratch as far as a cycle process goes.
Do you know anything about how to cycle a tank?
If you use water conditioner you can add the water to your tank right away. What kind of conditioner are you using? Can you get a sample of your tank water tested?
read up on that, and if you have anymore questions, please feel free to ask. You're most likely at the beginning of a cycle.
If you can, go get your water tested, and while you are there pick up a API Master Liquid Test kit. It's crucial to your cycle of a tank, also a siphon wouldn't hurt either for pwc.
Yeah i do have one more question will a air pump make all the fish nervous? I just bought them today and they all kept rising to the top so i made the pump run for extra oxygen
no...air pumps just break the surface tension...some aquarists lower their water level so the filter water splashes in to the water to create the same effect.
Agree with the prevous thread advice, would just add a recommendation that you buy a bottle of bacteria supplement to quicken the bacteria establishment. Seachem's "Stability" is my favourite, "Cycle" also works. Add this as soon as you can; it may be in time to save the fish. Ammonia (which is what they are being poisoned by) is very toxic, and has long-term effects even if it doesn't kill them outright. The Stability will ease this stress by adding the needed bacteria to consume the ammonia 9and then the nitrite, the second stage).
Partial water changes every day, using a good water conditioner, will also help. Don't clean or rinse the filter, and don't vacuum the gravel; the bacteria are colonizing those surfaces. Remove the water from the top for the partial water changes.
also i dont know about your platys but if your dojo is going to the top of the water its ok
also if he/she is being active she may just be looking for food
they tend to suck on the rocks at the bottom of your tank [the substrate] to get algae off they will also "lick" the glass
dojo's [weather loaches] go to the top of the tank to take in oxygen and store it in their intestines
it is VERY normal for a dojo to go to the top of the tank
also if you see his/her bum floating up and it looks like he/she cant stay at the bottom
dont worry because that jsut means he/she took in too much oxygen and her/his bum is light. he/she will eventually "fart" out the extra air [youll see little bubbles rise] and then he/she will be fine!
so you dont need to worry about your dojo going to the top of the tnak its really normal
if you have MSN feel free to add me
ive had dojos for a long time and can help you in urgent situations so you dont need to wait for a reply.
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