Fish gasping please help
- Thread starter heartsoul
- Start date
Hello; I also let my water change tap water sit in containers before putting it into a tank. I do, however, let it sit for more than one day. Usually a minimum of four days and with a bubbler if I will need it at the four day minimum. This method works as I have used it since going to tap water from well water some 25 years ago. This method only works for public tap water treated with chlorine.
There are a number of public water systems that use a chemical treatment called chloramine. You need to find out what is used to treat the tap water. This brings up another possible cause for stress to the fish.
Allow me to add a bit more speculation. I get the impression you are new to the hobby. Beware of fish store clerk's advice. It is common for them to have very little useful information or knowledge. It is also common for them to pass out information that is dead wrong. I have been at this over 50 years and have experience to help filter out the BS.
If you are indeed new, it will take some time to learn and allow me to make a suggestion. Try staying with the less expensive, more hardy and easier to keep fish for a year or few. While it is unplesant to lose any fish, it is a shame to make beginner mistakes with expensive fish.
That said, I am use to such advice being ignored. I no longer encourage people to start the hobby like I did in the past.
I use to keep fish couple years ago for about a year, i knew alot back then but i forgot most after i quit, except for water condition, this i have no clue, i hope u wont get upset that i didnt research sooner but this time i will do more learning before i get more fish. So u said that u let water sit for 4 days, then that mean i have to leave the water in the tank alone until then or should i drain 25% now then add water later?. The water atm is very clean and clear, the glass however do have aglea but it not bad, should i clean it off or keep?
Hello; You have pictured test strips. These do not show ammonia levels which is the most likely thing that is stressing the fish. A master test kit has vials in which you place tank water and some drops of chemical. I suspect that you really need to test for ammonia.
Also, while I do not use them, there are tap water treatment chemicals that can be used which allow immediate use of the water for large water changes. Some other member might give you pointers on which chemicals to use.
Also, while I do not use them, there are tap water treatment chemicals that can be used which allow immediate use of the water for large water changes. Some other member might give you pointers on which chemicals to use.
The algae is common, expected and not a problem. Clean it if you wish. Take care to use something that will not scretch the glass.
No, you should not wait four days to do water changes. Get a chemical to treat the chlorine and chloramine in tap water and start water changes right away. Every day is likely better for a time to dillute the ammonia which is my guestimate of the water condition problems.
Get a test for ammonia so we can be sure about the levels in the tank water and avoid this guess work.
Hello; Yes to the chlorine water treatments safe for fish. I do not use it so cannot suggest a product from experience. Do a forum search for ammonia as there have been tons of posts about these chemicals.
