It goes without saying, but if you haven't done it, do a massive water change. At least 50 to 75%. I had forgotten about your "cycling" problems. You really should be doing massive water changes daily until your water tests 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, with only nitrate showing. Discus should never be exposed to ammonia or nitrite, it will poison them. Good call Sue.
susie,hillybilly,discus guru's need asap
- Thread starter fishyjoe26
- Start date
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?p=543118#post543118
I also made a thread over on simply too, about my discus problem.
ph-6.0
ammonia-0
nitrite-0
nitrate -20- maybe higher.
I also made a thread over on simply too, about my discus problem.
ph-6.0
ammonia-0
nitrite-0
nitrate -20- maybe higher.
Certain water conditioners can also cause you to get false test readings because it changes the ammonia to another form. I think Prime is on that list, but can't remember for sure, since I don't use them with well water. Definitely do a water change though, anytime you see fish gasping at the surface. Note: Yep, I did an ultra quick search online and found that Prime does indeed give false ammonia readings on a lot of test kits. I am now convinced there is either ammonia, nitrite, or both building up in your tank, and the low hardness levels of your water are making the PH levels swing, which probably wouldn't be all that bad if your bio filter was handling the load. Obviously it is not at this time, and making things worse.
hillbilly;3183285; said:Certain water conditioners can also cause you to get false test readings because it changes the ammonia to another form. I think Prime is on that list, but can't remember for sure, since I don't use them with well water. Definitely do a water change though, anytime you see fish gasping at the surface. Note: Yep, I did an ultra quick search online and found that Prime does indeed give false ammonia readings on a lot of test kits.
so what test kit would you recommend,and what conditioner should I use
cloram-x?, amquel?,frizs(spelling?) or another company?
Nothing wrong with using Prime. It's a quality product, probably the best out there IMO. It just screws with certain test kits ammonia readings. Just get a SeaChem test for ammonia, and one for nitrite, to check against your other test. Actually, if it were me, I would probably forget about testing for the moment and get some BioSpira instead, to quickly build that filter, and hope it's not too late to save my fish.
hillbilly;3183485; said:Nothing wrong with using Prime. It's a quality product, probably the best out there IMO. It just screws with certain test kits ammonia readings. Just get a SeaChem test for ammonia, and one for nitrite, to check against your other test. Actually, if it were me, I would probably forget about testing for the moment and get some BioSpira instead, to quickly build that filter, and hope it's not too late to save my fish.
biospria? i'm confused I thought that was for saltwater? where can I buy that at and ruffly how much is it going to cost me? oh and how much is the seachem test going to cost me.
How long has it been since these discus were introduced to the tank? Did they go straight to the tank? What other fish are in the tank? 50-75% water changes everyday should stop this water quality problem if that's it. I happen to think you have other issues and we may not have asked you the right questions. What is in that 135 and are we talking gallons? 5 discus is nothing for a 135gal, or even 10 sub adult. Have you done something you not saying?
Bobears;3183651; said:How long has it been since these discus were introduced to the tank? Did they go straight to the tank? What other fish are in the tank? 50-75% water changes everyday should stop this water quality problem if that's it. I happen to think you have other issues and we may not have asked you the right questions. What is in that 135 and are we talking gallons? 5 discus is nothing for a 135gal, or even 10 sub adult. Have you done something you not saying?
He killed a substantial portion of his bio filter.
As a last resort, beg, buy, or steal some established bio media from someone's else's tank to give yours a kick start, and keep changing water until it cycles.
