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I don't understand what am I doing wrong :(

3K views 12 replies 8 participants last post by  Zapher 
#1 ·
Hello,

I've been on this board before, for not being able to cycle a tank and other beginner problems...

You guys have helped so much, and hopefully you can shed some light on these new problems I'm facing.

Well, to begin I have a 10 gallon tank, with and AquaClear 30 filter.

The tank started off with guppies and 2 clown loaches. All my guppies have died, one after the other one, over a matter of months. I've lost them all. They all died similarly, by just wasting away. Nothing major. Just as if they got weaker and weaker. Some I would find stuck to the filter opening, some would stay in the corner on the top of the tank for few days, and then die, some would develop a hump and then die, some would become smaller and smaller, even transparent almost, some would just disappear and then I would find them dead behind decoration...

Then I tried to change fish and I got 3 mollies. Two have died already, over the course of, say, a month. One more is left, and I feel bad for her because I feel she will die too.

The two clown loaches, instead, have grown, and, knocking on wood, seem doing ok. They've been in this tank since the beginning (February/March).

Let me give you some details about the tank. I've moved it closer to a window, and I'm thinking I will move it away from it, since the algae is sooo out of control, it's disgusting. I'm dreading having to clean it today. I mean I've seen strings of algae (it used to be just a little).

Is algae dangerous for the fish?

Next, I've bought a little vacuum pump, that doesn't seem to be doing the job right, as it just stirs things around but doesn't really pick them up.

Any good suggestions on a cheapish vacuum?

My gravel is medium in size, and I have not changed it since the beginning. Should I change it?

The filter only has a sponge and the white rocks for bacteria to grow in it. I'm not using the carbon since I've read here that it's really not necessary, but my water smells bad and I'm thinking I should use it again.
What are your thoughts on carbon?

I was thinking that maybe the fish were dying because they needed more oxygen, so I bought a bubble bed, one of those tubes you put down at the bottom, and it's about maybe 6 inches long. I've attached to an air pump, the lowest setting one the sell, but I get this feeling that the bubbles it creates might be too much for the fish to handle. They look (especially the clowns) not happy when the bubbles are on, so I feel bad and turn them off at night (I figure they can sleep better in quiet water).

So now I'm torn, is this bubble bed good for them or not? Do they need extra oxygen? Is it my imagination, or the bubble bed makes the water dirty faster?

I have a big castle in the water (ok, maybe a bit too big for this size of tank), and it has turned into the clowns home. They rarely come out of there, one a bit more than the other, and of course when I'm not around. Is this ok? I've read it's good that they have a hiding place, but they really live in there more than out. And is there such a thing as a TOO big decoration for the tank? Can it hurt the tank?

Lastly, my water levels. My pH is low, about 6.4. I've been able to have no ammonia nor nitrites. But nitrates are always a problem. I do 25% water changes every week but always get high nitrates readings, in the 40s.

And now that I really have only 3 fish in there, it actually looks like the water has deteriorated. It's as if the tank just gets worse and worse, no matter what I do, and no matter how many fish in there.

Oh, one more thing. Is it normal that every thing in the tank now looks full of algae and green, should I wash the decorations and the fake plants, and strip them of this slimy coat they have?

Please guide me in the right direction, what am I doing wrong, and what should I be doing different, and what should I start doing that I am not doing?

Thank you!
Elisa
 
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#2 ·
Hi Elisa.

Algae is not dangerous to fish however it is if it decomposes in the water causing oxygen depletion. Did your fish even gasp around the surface? If so, that's a surefire sign that your tank has very low oxygen level. For this, you'll definitely need to aerate the tank. A lot of surface movements will increase the oxygen level. Your clown loaches will actually prefer too much movements around and very high oxygen levels. They originated from rivers where there are always currents. A large river tank is actually the most appropriate setup for botiine loaches.

How often do you feed your fish? What test kit are you using? You may use carbon to remove the odor from your tank.

The bubble bed simply lifts off a lot of wastes that are around your substrate thus clouding up the water. You'll need to siphon the gravel a lot. What gravel vacuum are you using if it's doing the job poorly?

I'd suggest doing water changes twice or thrice a week. Every other day would be much more preferable until you can keep the nitrates below 40.

Does your window direct too much sunlight? If so, avoid placing a tank in a sunlit room. You may have nutrient imbalance judging by your algae growing out of control. Wash all decorations to remove the algae. Don't use soap when cleaning them.

If you can afford a larger tank, your clown loaches will appreciate it even better.

Good luck.:)
 
#5 ·
Elisa:

All of Lupins word are "dead on" but I will try to elucidate some of his comments as well as address additional of your questions.

elisa said:
Hello,

I've been on this board before, for not being able to cycle a tank and other beginner problems...
You guys have helped so much,
Thanks for these comments. Some of us spend hours researching and preparing as well as the many reviews and edits which are required for coherency.
Your comments really make me feel good.



and hopefully you can shed some light on these new problems I'm facing.
Having previewed your post I have had similar problems and do not "have a handle on them" but relating my experience may help you and me through this.

Well, to begin I have a 10 gallon tank, with and AquaClear 30 filter.
Specifications for you aquaclear 30:
150 gph
Rated for aquariums up to 30 gallons

Please note that for HOB filters the recommended hourly "turnover rate" is 10.
You have an hourly turnover rate of 15.
It may be that your filter is creating too much turbulence in midwater and upperwater portions of your tank and inducing stress into your guppies.
I am not familiar with HOB filters but would it be possible to direct the orifice from which the return flow to the tank is discharged to a wall.
This orientation should produce significant energy dissipation and reduce turbulence in the tank.
If you get the above "figured out" then also some of the flow should be used to mildly agitate the water's surface. This mild agitation will increase the oxygen saturation in the tank water.


The tank started off with guppies and 2 clown loaches. All my guppies have died, one after the other one, over a matter of months. I've lost them all. They all died similarly, by just wasting away. Nothing major. Just as if they got weaker and weaker. Some I would find stuck to the filter opening, some would stay in the corner on the top of the tank for few days, and then die, some would develop a hump and then die, some would become smaller and smaller, even transparent almost, some would just disappear and then I would find them dead behind decoration...
"Been there, done that and got the tee shirt" with the exception of the emaciation. Mine would appear healthy one day and be dead the next.
Please refer to
http://www.fishforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=8463&highlight=guppies
Some information in the above cited URL may allow you to relate your experience, induce synergism and help you in the determination of your fish death.


Then I tried to change fish and I got 3 mollies. Two have died already, over the course of, say, a month. One more is left, and I feel bad for her because I feel she will die too.
Although mollies will survive in fresh water their preference is brackish water.
Have you thought about platies in lieu of guppies or mollies for replacements.
Although "my luck with platies" has been less that splendid it has been way, way better "than my luck with guppies"


The two clown loaches, instead, have grown, and, knocking on wood, seem doing ok. They've been in this tank since the beginning (February/March).
Lupin was "right, straight on here!
In a 10G tank these loaches will either be stunted or die.
Under either scenario the clown loaches will not be "happy fishes".
Please refer to
http://www.loaches.com/species-index/clown-loach-chromobotia-macracanthus


Is algae dangerous for the fish?
Not unless you cannot see into the tank beyond the tank walls due to the algae.

Next, I've bought a little vacuum pump, that doesn't seem to be doing the job right, as it just stirs things around but doesn't really pick them up.
Any good suggestions on a cheapish vacuum?
Do not have a clue here.
I use a Python for my tank but I really do not know what would happen if a python was utilized for vacuuming a 10G tank.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produ...ll&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Np=1&N=2004&Nty=1


My gravel is medium in size, and I have not changed it since the beginning. Should I change it?
Before you introduce new fish IMHO and if it were mine I would
Prepare dechlorinated tap water of sufficient quantity to wash the gravel;
Very, very gently remove the gravel from the tank.
if you just use the random "scoop and get it out as quickly as possible" method I anticipate that your tank water will turn brown.
Gently return the gravel to your tank.



The filter only has a sponge and the white rocks for bacteria to grow in it. I'm not using the carbon since I've read here that it's really not necessary, but my water smells bad and I'm thinking I should use it again.
This does not make sense to me with respect to the published attributes of your filter:
A patented flow control feature, a basket to hold all filter media in one accessible place and a clear filter case for quick visual check of conditions; are all custom features that will make this filter simple to use. Included are: foam, carbon and BioMax media. Cut to fit precisely, the foam media will trap dirt and debris. The carbon used will efficiently remove organic compounds, dyes and medications. Biological colonies will be allowed to grow using BioMax, converting ammonia and nitrite to nitrate.


What are your thoughts on carbon?
For normal use no.

I was thinking that maybe the fish were dying because they needed more oxygen, so I bought a bubble bed, one of those tubes you put down at the bottom, and it's about maybe 6 inches long. I've attached to an air pump, the lowest setting one the sell, but I get this feeling that the bubbles it creates might be too much for the fish to handle. They look (especially the clowns) not happy when the bubbles are on, so I feel bad and turn them off at night (I figure they can sleep better in quiet water).
Please refer to my previous comment concerning turbulence in the tank

So now I'm torn, is this bubble bed good for them or not? Do they need extra oxygen? Is it my imagination, or the bubble bed makes the water dirty faster?

I have a big castle in the water (ok, maybe a bit too big for this size of tank), and it has turned into the clowns home. They rarely come out of there, one a bit more than the other, and of course when I'm not around. Is this ok? I've read it's good that they have a hiding place, but they really live in there more than out. And is there such a thing as a TOO big decoration for the tank? Can it hurt the tank?
Do not have a clue here.

Lastly, my water levels. My pH is low, about 6.4. I've been able to have no ammonia nor nitrites. But nitrates are always a problem. I do 25% water changes every week but always get high nitrates readings, in the 40s.
Please check the nitrate concentration in your tap water and report back.

And now that I really have only 3 fish in there, it actually looks like the water has deteriorated. It's as if the tank just gets worse and worse, no matter what I do, and no matter how many fish in there.
Oh, one more thing. Is it normal that every thing in the tank now looks full of algae and green, should I wash the decorations and the fake plants, and strip them of this slimy coat they have?
What and how much are you feeding?
Please refer to
http://www.fishforum.com/viewtopic.php?p=28022
as it may be of some help in your "algae fighting"?

TR
 
#6 ·
I have used a python on a 10 gallon tank and the only difference is you get the job done very fast though a python would be a large investment for something as small as a 10 gallon tank. A standard aquarium gravel vac should be efficient enough.

Also in my experience you cant really have too much decorations unless your fish is large enough and needs a large amount of swimming room. The castle is definitely better than nothing for the clown loaches, you might want to look into some live or fake plants though to give the mollies/guppies places to hide.
 
#7 ·
At a Ph of 6.4 I wouldn't recommend giving guppies or platties a go. Livebearers all thrive in harder, more alkaline water and although they can be acclimatised, I have had no luck with them and TBH, rerally don't think it's worth it.

I strongly recommend rehoming your clwons or finding them a larger tank (minimum 75g) ecause as Jones mentioned they will either be stunted or die in a 10g tank, and if they are stunted they will eventually die anyway.

Assuming you do rehome the clowns there is a way to raise your Ph naturally (never use any chemicals to change the Ph - not good for the fish at all) by adding crushed coral to the substrate. Add enough so that there's probably half gravel, half coral. Monitor the Ph of the tank for a few days and it should come up significantly. Make sure you rinse the coral well first thoguh. A Ph of anything over 7 would be a significant improvement for the guppies but 8 would be fine, even thoguh it may seem very high. The problem with thisis that there are many fish that won't apreciate such a high ph so make sure you know what you want before you do this.

Good luck!
 
#8 ·
I'd first like to say, 'What a lot of helpful responses!' Aren't fish forums great? 8)

Now to the bit that I can add..... your gravel vac? you say you cannot get it to pick up solid waste?
I use a simple, small, cheap gravel vac and a 5 gallon bucket to pick up all visible waste........ in 4 tanks, with a total volume of 135 gallons. And that's 1 bucket (of very black water!)
I call that the 'company's coming' water change. :D
My method is this. Put the narrow end into the bucket and the wide end into the tank, holding it horizontal until it fills with water. Lift the wide end out of the tank, allowing the water to run into the smaller tube. Put the wide end back into the tank, again horizontally. If you can be quick enough to re-submerge the wide end while the larger tube still has a little water in it, that is enough to start the suction. Practice makes perfect. :roll:

And the algae? For best results scrub thouroughly and often. :)
 
#9 ·
Lupin said:
Hi Elisa.

Algae is not dangerous to fish however it is if it decomposes in the water causing oxygen depletion. Did your fish even gasp around the surface? If so, that's a surefire sign that your tank has very low oxygen level.
Hi Lupin,
thank you for your reply.
Yes, sometimes my poor molly comes up and breathes heavy by the surface. It's actually more like opening and closing her mouth as if she is blowing kisses, but I guess she is having breathing problems :(


Lupin said:
For this, you'll definitely need to aerate the tank. A lot of surface movements will increase the oxygen level. Your clown loaches will actually prefer too much movements around and very high oxygen levels. They originated from rivers where there are always currents. A large river tank is actually the most appropriate setup for botiine loaches.
The filter does cause movement on the surface of the water, plus when the bubbles are on there is plenty of movement...

Lupin said:
How often do you feed your fish? What test kit are you using? You may use carbon to remove the odor from your tank.
I feed them twice a day, once in the morning at 7am and then at 6pm. I give them mostly flakes, just a pinch. I'm pretty good at not overfeeding them. Sometimes I give them blood worms, sometimes pellets, and sometimes frozen shrimp brine.
I use Freshwater master test kit by API.

Lupin said:
What gravel vacuum are you using if it's doing the job poorly?
I use something like this http://www.arcatapet.com/item.cfm?cat=10751

Lupin said:
I'd suggest doing water changes twice or thrice a week. Every other day would be much more preferable until you can keep the nitrates below 40.
Ok. I will start with twice a week.

Lupin said:
Does your window direct too much sunlight? If so, avoid placing a tank in a sunlit room. You may have nutrient imbalance judging by your algae growing out of control. Wash all decorations to remove the algae. Don't use soap when cleaning them.
Thank you I did. I moved the tank away from the window. I washed everything and today it looks nice.

Lupin said:
If you can afford a larger tank, your clown loaches will appreciate it even better.
I know. I've found out about the space requirement for the loaches after I bought them. It scares me to think that they won't survive, but I don't know if I will ever get a bigger tank yet.

Lupin said:
Good luck.:)
Thank you for your help, Lupin. I will keep you posted.

Elisa
 
#10 ·
fish_4_all said:
Just a thought about the guppies, did oyu ever see any signs of them being bruised, discolored, missing fins or any physical damage? I am think that maybe the loaches had some fun with them and killed them one by one.
Hi :)

No, not really. I can't say that I've ever seen the clowns being mean to the guppies. Only once I saw one clown with a dead guppy in his mouth, but I got the feeling that he just started playing or eating him after he was dead. And the guppies never had any bruises nor missing fins. But who knows? These clowns are never out when I am around. You have to see the way one of them runs when he sees me, like I want to eat him or something! lol He's cute, though.
 
#11 ·
jkastner19 said:
Not 100% sure, I am new. But I think I read carbon not being necessary in planted tanks, but if you are non-planted maybe you should still use the carbon? Just a thought, not sure if I am right or not.

Good luck continuing and hope you get some healthy fish going!
I don't know either. I think you don't need it really. Thank you for the well wishes. I am trying, really trying! :)
 
#12 ·
jones57742 said:
Elisa:

All of Lupins word are "dead on" but I will try to elucidate some of his comments as well as address additional of your questions.

elisa said:
Hello,

I've been on this board before, for not being able to cycle a tank and other beginner problems...
You guys have helped so much,
Thanks for these comments. Some of us spend hours researching and preparing as well as the many reviews and edits which are required for coherency.
Your comments really make me feel good.


I'm glad. I really appreciate the help. I was clueless when I started. I mean it should be illegal to buy fish without passing a test of some sort!


and hopefully you can shed some light on these new problems I'm facing.
Having previewed your post I have had similar problems and do not "have a handle on them" but relating my experience may help you and me through this.

Thank you again for taking the time

Well, to begin I have a 10 gallon tank, with and AquaClear 30 filter.
Specifications for you aquaclear 30:
150 gph
Rated for aquariums up to 30 gallons

Please note that for HOB filters the recommended hourly "turnover rate" is 10.
You have an hourly turnover rate of 15.
It may be that your filter is creating too much turbulence in midwater and upperwater portions of your tank and inducing stress into your guppies.

Gosh, I think this is a possibility.



I am not familiar with HOB filters but would it be possible to direct the orifice from which the return flow to the tank is discharged to a wall.
This orientation should produce significant energy dissipation and reduce turbulence in the tank.

I don't think this is possible. The filter hooks up to the back of the tank, and has the opening where the water comes out right on the edge of the glass. If I wanted to have the opening facing the wall I would have the filter inside the water. I hope this is somewhat clear.

If you get the above "figured out" then also some of the flow should be used to mildly agitate the water's surface. This mild agitation will increase the oxygen saturation in the tank water.

If anybody has any suggestions I can try them. Off the top of my head I can't see how I could change this water flow. Maybe I could put something in front of the opening, in order to prevent the water from coming out so fast?

The tank started off with guppies and 2 clown loaches. All my guppies have died, one after the other one, over a matter of months. I've lost them all. They all died similarly, by just wasting away. Nothing major. Just as if they got weaker and weaker. Some I would find stuck to the filter opening, some would stay in the corner on the top of the tank for few days, and then die, some would develop a hump and then die, some would become smaller and smaller, even transparent almost, some would just disappear and then I would find them dead behind decoration...
"Been there, done that and got the tee shirt" with the exception of the emaciation. Mine would appear healthy one day and be dead the next.
Please refer to
http://www.fishforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=8463&highlight=guppies
Some information in the above cited URL may allow you to relate your experience, induce synergism and help you in the determination of your fish death.


Thank you, I will look at it.

Then I tried to change fish and I got 3 mollies. Two have died already, over the course of, say, a month. One more is left, and I feel bad for her because I feel she will die too.
Although mollies will survive in fresh water their preference is brackish water.
Have you thought about platies in lieu of guppies or mollies for replacements.
Although "my luck with platies" has been less that splendid it has been way, way better "than my luck with guppies"


I can definitely give them a try. Do they look like goldfish?

The two clown loaches, instead, have grown, and, knocking on wood, seem doing ok. They've been in this tank since the beginning (February/March).
Lupin was "right, straight on here!
In a 10G tank these loaches will either be stunted or die.
Under either scenario the clown loaches will not be "happy fishes".
Please refer to
http://www.loaches.com/species-index/clown-loach-chromobotia-macracanthus


:(

Like I've said, I didn't know this when I got them, and I told the man that I had a 10g but he still sold them to me. They were tiny. When someone said they would grow to 8 and 10 inches I couldn't believe it. I guess i am just waiting to see what's going to happen. I really like the clowns.



Is algae dangerous for the fish?
Not unless you cannot see into the tank beyond the tank walls due to the algae.

Ok. No, then. I'm not that bad at cleaning! :)


Next, I've bought a little vacuum pump, that doesn't seem to be doing the job right, as it just stirs things around but doesn't really pick them up.
Any good suggestions on a cheapish vacuum?
Do not have a clue here.
I use a Python for my tank but I really do not know what would happen if a python was utilized for vacuuming a 10G tank.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produ...ll&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Np=1&N=2004&Nty=1


That looks like efficient. I think I just got a bad pump. I will look into another one.


My gravel is medium in size, and I have not changed it since the beginning. Should I change it?
Before you introduce new fish IMHO and if it were mine I would
Prepare dechlorinated tap water of sufficient quantity to wash the gravel;
Very, very gently remove the gravel from the tank.
if you just use the random "scoop and get it out as quickly as possible" method I anticipate that your tank water will turn brown.
Gently return the gravel to your tank.


Thanks for this tip. I've done the "I can't see my poor fish" scooping gravel, and felt terrible for the poor guys in the water. And I did it while the tank was half empty. Live and learn.



The filter only has a sponge and the white rocks for bacteria to grow in it. I'm not using the carbon since I've read here that it's really not necessary, but my water smells bad and I'm thinking I should use it again.
This does not make sense to me with respect to the published attributes of your filter:
A patented flow control feature, a basket to hold all filter media in one accessible place and a clear filter case for quick visual check of conditions; are all custom features that will make this filter simple to use. Included are: foam, carbon and BioMax media. Cut to fit precisely, the foam media will trap dirt and debris. The carbon used will efficiently remove organic compounds, dyes and medications. Biological colonies will be allowed to grow using BioMax, converting ammonia and nitrite to nitrate.


The three media are separate. A basket will contain all three but it doesn't have to. So I insert the sponge, and then top it with the rocks. If I wanted to use the carbon, I would insert the carbon packet in between the sponge and the rocks. But it works fine without the carbon. I think. Hmmm... Now you got me thinking...

What are your thoughts on carbon?
For normal use no.

Ok.

I was thinking that maybe the fish were dying because they needed more oxygen, so I bought a bubble bed, one of those tubes you put down at the bottom, and it's about maybe 6 inches long. I've attached to an air pump, the lowest setting one the sell, but I get this feeling that the bubbles it creates might be too much for the fish to handle. They look (especially the clowns) not happy when the bubbles are on, so I feel bad and turn them off at night (I figure they can sleep better in quiet water).
Please refer to my previous comment concerning turbulence in the tank

So now I'm torn, is this bubble bed good for them or not? Do they need extra oxygen? Is it my imagination, or the bubble bed makes the water dirty faster?

I have a big castle in the water (ok, maybe a bit too big for this size of tank), and it has turned into the clowns home. They rarely come out of there, one a bit more than the other, and of course when I'm not around. Is this ok? I've read it's good that they have a hiding place, but they really live in there more than out. And is there such a thing as a TOO big decoration for the tank? Can it hurt the tank?
Do not have a clue here.

Lastly, my water levels. My pH is low, about 6.4. I've been able to have no ammonia nor nitrites. But nitrates are always a problem. I do 25% water changes every week but always get high nitrates readings, in the 40s.
Please check the nitrate concentration in your tap water and report back.

Almost 0. The color is not quite bright yellow as it should be, but not as dark as the next level (5).


And now that I really have only 3 fish in there, it actually looks like the water has deteriorated. It's as if the tank just gets worse and worse, no matter what I do, and no matter how many fish in there.
Oh, one more thing. Is it normal that every thing in the tank now looks full of algae and green, should I wash the decorations and the fake plants, and strip them of this slimy coat they have?
What and how much are you feeding?

I feed them flakes, a pinch twice a day. Sometimes I vary with blood worms or shrimp pellets or frozen shrimp brine. But mostly is flakes.

Thank you so much for all your help! I feel that if I went to a vet (fish vet), and paid for a visit I would never get the same amount of help I get out of nice people like you. Keep up the great work, it is surely appreciated.

Elisa




I've attached a picture. The molly on the right is still alive. The two guppies on the left are gone :(

That's the big castle and you can see the bubble wall.
Please refer to
http://www.fishforum.com/viewtopic.php?p=28022
as it may be of some help in your "algae fighting"?

TR
 
#13 ·
Instead of the carbon in your Aquaclear you could put in products such as Algone or Clearmax (used to be phos-x). They help remove phosphate, which will help prevent algae, nitrate and nitrite. Also if you have a large buildup of nutrients doing the frequent small water changes should remove alot of the excess nutrients in a couple of weeks.

With that gravel vac you should be able to insert the large tube into the water and remove all air from it. Then proceed to pump the tube up and down, it should trap water into the hose. Eventually the water will start pulling itself from gravity and you should have a bucket or something nearby to catch the water. As long as the water level in the tank is higher than the bucket it will continue to siphon. Then you simply stick the vacuum into the gravel untill it is clear again and move it to a new place.

If you can find a way to put a sponge in front of your filter it will help divert the flow while also adding more biological filtration.

Try adding a few more fake plants to give more hiding spots for the fish since the loaches have territory over the castle.

There is a product for air pumps that controls the air flow. You could always purchase one and use it to regulate the amount of bubbles the air pump creates. http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3669+8017&pcatid=8017

I hope i could help a little. Good luck! :D
 
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