Please Help Me

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RockThePolypterus

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
May 23, 2006
19
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0
Jamestown, NC
Hello,

I'm somewhat new to this site, and I thought that maybe you all could help me with my problem.

I have a 75 gallon aquarium within my room, and it has been running for almost 2 months now. Everything seemed fine once I added the 2nd power filter to the tank to get rid of the bacterial bloom it once had not too long ago...until lately...I have 3 P. Senegalus Bichirs and the one having the problem is my albino. My theory is that he developed gill disease when the bacterial bloom hit, and now that it cleared it within the tank, it hasn't cleared up with him yet. He seems very lethargic, and will only swim around when it has to do with getting air at the surface, or when he just feels like goofing off, but usually he lays at the bottom, and his breathing rate has definatly seemed to have elevated quite a bit more than the other 2 bichirs.

I went out and bought a water test kit, and low and behold...everything checks out normally EXCEPT the Nitrites, and from what I understand...that is extremely toxis to the fish, but the only fish in my tank that seems to be effected is my albino. I've done several 20%-25% water changes to try and delute the Nitrites, but it's still too high according to the test. What else can be done to help?

I have no idea what else I should do...

Thanks,
Shane :confused:
 
I'm sorry about double posting, but I can't seem to find the "Edit-Post" button...I completely forgot to mention that he hasn't eaten anything in a few days now. He ignores food completely. Be it Frozen Krill, Daphnia, Flakes, Small live fish, and Sinking Bottom Feeder Pellets.
 
It's just a theory. But, seriously, I'm very concerned about my albino...he went from being the largest bichir in the tank to the smallest within a matter of weeks.
 
he's breathing heavily because of the high nitrites. seems like your tank is still cycling because you should have 0 ammonia and 0 nitrite if it's completely cycled. keep doing water changes to keep nitrite in control and also try to feed less. i hear you can also add salt in case of emergency to detoxify high amounts of nitrite.
 
is300zx said:
he's breathing heavily because of the high nitrites. seems like your tank is still cycling because you should have 0 ammonia and 0 nitrite if it's completely cycled. keep doing water changes to keep nitrite in control and also try to feed less. i hear you can also add salt in case of emergency to detoxify high amounts of nitrite.
Click to expand...

Still cycling!?...Jeez..I'm in for it..
I'll keep with the water changes then. Could you tell me about how often I should do this then? I'll be adding the salt too. I've already started to feed less.

Shane,
 
I'm not sure how often you should do water changes. It depends on how high your nitrite is. If it's on the low end of the scale then you can probably leave it alone so that nitrite eating bacteria can feed of it and multiply. But if it's anything higher then you should probably do a water change to bring it down.
 
is300zx said:
I'm not sure how often you should do water changes. It depends on how high your nitrite is. If it's on the low end of the scale then you can probably leave it alone so that nitrite eating bacteria can feed of it and multiply. But if it's anything higher then you should probably do a water change to bring it down.
Click to expand...

Which means...I will definatly be doing a water change right...about...NOW

Thanks a ton,
Shane

PS...just did a 50% water change, nothing still. Nitrites are still at the same level they were. I guess I have to wait awhile, right?
 
makes me wonder if your tap water already has nitrates in it. There are supplements you could buy, but from my experience they dont do a whole lot. Your water changes should work. Mayb you need a better filter, like a wet/dry? Is there gravel for the good bacteria to grow on?
 
BMWaznboy said:
makes me wonder if your tap water already has nitrates in it. There are supplements you could buy, but from my experience they dont do a whole lot. Your water changes should work. Mayb you need a better filter, like a wet/dry? Is there gravel for the good bacteria to grow on?
Click to expand...

Well,
I have sand, not gravel. I have been told by somebody else that its quite possible that all I need is another filter. Seeing how I have a 75 gallon, and with the 2 filters I have am only getting 450 gph. I need at least 750 gph. My main concern right now is that my albino refuses to eat...I don't know what to do about that...

Shane,
 
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