Hello all, I tried to used the search feature, but I'm getting every post with the word "fin." Oh boy.
Anyway, my red eyed tetras aren't looking so good. They are eating well and swimming normally, so this is not a code red.
Their fins however are looking a bit ragged.
Temp. = 78
Ph = 7.2
Amonia = 0 ppm
NitrItes = 0 ppm
NitrAtes = 2-5 ppm (this read a little higher than normal)
I've been a little lazy about water changes lately, I've been moving a lot of furniture in and out of my apartment and unfortunately, the fish have been part of this, so I'm sure that accounts for some added stress. I've started doing very small water changes (10% or so) just to vaccum some of the residual decaying material out of the gravel. I will continue to do those for the next 3 or 4 days. Also my light timer, it seems has been malfunctioning, probably accounting for the wicked algae growth that has sprouted in the last week or so.
I use silk decorations, which today, I cleaned in 20 parts water 1 part bleach solution and will leave out to evaporate for a couple of days. I know people have mixed feelings on that technique but I've never had a problem with it.
I've had problems with medication though, and I've very leery about using it. I don't think they are at the point where they need to be treated with anything, but I'm just writing this thread to make sure I'm on the right track.
I have also heard there may be non medications or weak medications that can help heal their fins (Mardel maybe?). Anyway, if anyone has any helpful feedback, I'd appreciate it! Thanks!
Anyway, my red eyed tetras aren't looking so good. They are eating well and swimming normally, so this is not a code red.
Their fins however are looking a bit ragged.
Temp. = 78
Ph = 7.2
Amonia = 0 ppm
NitrItes = 0 ppm
NitrAtes = 2-5 ppm (this read a little higher than normal)
I've been a little lazy about water changes lately, I've been moving a lot of furniture in and out of my apartment and unfortunately, the fish have been part of this, so I'm sure that accounts for some added stress. I've started doing very small water changes (10% or so) just to vaccum some of the residual decaying material out of the gravel. I will continue to do those for the next 3 or 4 days. Also my light timer, it seems has been malfunctioning, probably accounting for the wicked algae growth that has sprouted in the last week or so.
I use silk decorations, which today, I cleaned in 20 parts water 1 part bleach solution and will leave out to evaporate for a couple of days. I know people have mixed feelings on that technique but I've never had a problem with it.
I've had problems with medication though, and I've very leery about using it. I don't think they are at the point where they need to be treated with anything, but I'm just writing this thread to make sure I'm on the right track.
I have also heard there may be non medications or weak medications that can help heal their fins (Mardel maybe?). Anyway, if anyone has any helpful feedback, I'd appreciate it! Thanks!
