zero nitrate? or just ammonia/nitrite? How long has tank been setup, do you know about the cycle?
Fish are rubbing against gravel
- Thread starter Jim bean 20055
- Start date
ill test water again rn. set up for about a week and i do know about the cycle. for ex: if ammonia reaches .05 ppm harmful ammonia i do 50% water changes.
If it's been set up for a week, your cycle will not be completed. I would re-read info on the nitrate cycle and make sure you've got it down. Takes more like 4-6 weeks to complete.
Your fish may just be reacting to ammonia and nitrite in the water which is normal during a fish-in cycle. Even small amounts can irritate the fish and cause them to rub. That would be my guess, and I would hold off on medicating until the tank was stable and water parameters are- Ammonia 0, Nitrite 0, detectable nitrate (5ppm, etc.) at that point your water should be good, and if they are still rubbing I would look to medicine like the prazipro.
Your fish may just be reacting to ammonia and nitrite in the water which is normal during a fish-in cycle. Even small amounts can irritate the fish and cause them to rub. That would be my guess, and I would hold off on medicating until the tank was stable and water parameters are- Ammonia 0, Nitrite 0, detectable nitrate (5ppm, etc.) at that point your water should be good, and if they are still rubbing I would look to medicine like the prazipro.
right, my guess would be ammonia causing the rubbing then. Would either do a water change or add seachem prime. Slows your cycle down so may take longer to complete, but will stop ammonia from going so high that it kills the fish.
