What are my options?

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philipraposo1982

philipraposo1982

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Feb 21, 2016
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Cambridge, Ontario
I live in a small apartment and my festae is getting bothered by large weekly water changes. he is displaying some erratic breathing (not super heavy but definitely looking stressed) and mouth movement which is not normal during this time (kinda looks like trying to spit something out?!?)

I feel like my water is supersaturated with gasses and its the issue.

Because of my space I don't have means to age water. Do I have other options?

I am thinking doing 2 times a week but smaller amount of water change. Filling slowly and using my air stones to help very quickly agitate and offgas the new water. Aside from this I don't know what else I can do.

Keep in mind these side effects that he displays during the water change quickly goes away after maybe 10-15 min once the WC is complete.

Thoughts?
 
Just how much space do you have? You may have enough even though you don’t think so.
 
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Would it be possible to move a piece of furniture or something once a week when you do your water change? If so I have some ideas.
 
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Ok so first off you get a rubber maid trash can that’s fish safe and then when you do water changes you move a piece of furniture out of the way and place the trash can there. You empty the tank then fill the trash can. You treat the water then pump it into the tank.
 
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If you get a cheap piece of crap trash can then I would bet so but people have been using Rubbermaid cans for stuff like this for quite a while. I remember reading a few threads a while back with one of them being about what color trash can is safe, it was on a saltwater forum. Do a bit of research and you’ll find the thread eventually.
 
When I refill my tanks with a hose I add the dechlorinator as soon as the new water starts filling the tank. No problems. If I'm not quick enough and my fish happens to be where my hose enters the tank she will go mad when the new water gets to her (gulping like you mention). Then as soon as I add the dechlorinator she's fine again.

It sounds like the chlorine is upsetting your fish but the dechlorinator dosed in the correct measure works instantaneously. You shouldn't really be experiencing these problems with your fish if you are indeed adding dechlorinator. Do you add dechlorinator, how do you add it, do you add the correct amount?

If you do add dechlorinator and this problem has only started recently maybe the local water authority has done something to the water to upset the parameters.
 
I have this problem randomly from time to time. I have a well so my water can change depending on the weather. Lol

My solution was to put a rag on the end of my python. I use a rubber band to hold it on. Water builds up slightly in the python (return end?) but not enough to be an issue and it causes a lot of agitation in the water before the rag strains the fine bubbles out. If that makes sense.
I’ll also have the python drain in above the water so it is getting agitated again as it goes in.
 
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