HERE WE GO AGAIN .... WATER READINGS

[Papillon]

Argh argh argh.. and one more time....

My 38 gallon FINALLY beautifully cycled (fishless after 2 deaths)...

So I add my red capped Oranda all is well in paradise.. Then I add my 2 new ones last night, and suprise suprise the nitrites are up to .25 the amonia .5/1.0 and nitrates 0..

So miss thing here does a 45% water change puts in necessary water conditioners etc, and the readings are the bloody same....

Ok what do I do now. I REFUSE to have these fish die of poisoning of any sort...

Need advice please... Thanks.

 

[Papillon]

forgot to mention, I put the new ones in 2 weeks after Henry returned to his tank...

 

[HanshaSuro]

[less than satisfactory advice removed]

 

[FroggyFox]

Its ok!! relax its normal for a tank to do a mini cycle when you add new fish. .25 or 1ppm for a little while isn't going to hurt them. No need to do extra water changes...just let the bacteria catch up with the new bioload.

After your other deaths I know thats easier to say than to trust...but really Monitor the levels...do your regular water changes and keep us updated.

Are you doing regular gravel vac? (Waste in the gravel can sometimes cause the nitrites to go up some also.)

 

[Papillon]

Hi, I am trying to relax, I just don't want this lot to suffer. Henry has survived the illnesses, he was desperately ill poor little guy.

How long does it take for the bacteria to catch up? I hope not to long.. I will test the water when I come back from work if it is higher than this morning I will do another water change unless you all think it isn't necessary...

Thanks all

Marie

 

[FroggyFox]

Hmm...I would guess a week or so before they catch up? Dont forget that too frequent water changes can stress them out just as much as slightly higher levels of ammonia/nitrite Hey and just like cycling...if you do water changes it will prolong the time it takes the bacteria to catch up. BUT if it makes you feel better...do as many as you need to

 

[Papillon]

Hi Froggy you are good at calming me down!! Thanks, but you know the hassles I have been going through with sick fish etc etc. I just don't want anything to happen to these ones... Paranoia speaking I know!

 

[Iggy]

Wise Froggyfox! You just got more poop, food and ammonia waste from the new fish. The ammonia level is not too bad, same with the nitrites, just give the bacteria time to eat and grow a little more. I bet it will be back to normal levels in under a week. Keep your normal water change activity, and you can add more cycle bacteria with the water changes.

Your fish s/b just fine

 

[Papillon]

Hey Iggy you are right, I could just add more bio-spira if need be duh! But my gutt is to just let it run it's course, without fussing too much, unless the levels go higher...

I also put some prime in the water, that is supposed to also conditon as well as neutralise the nitrites and nitrates....

I will check when I go home on my lunch break!

Marie

 

[Papillon]

OK Guys water is as follows.

Nitrites .25

Amonia 0

Nitrates 5ppm

How am I doing?

I wish it was all 0 I would feel so much better.. Should I do another water change or leave alone.... Paranoia setting in!!!!

M

 

[TaffyFish]

Fine, stop worrying.

btw, you don't need to get nitrates to zero as well.

Out of interest how much ammonia was the tank cycling when you added one fish...and then how long before you added the next?

 

[Papillon]

That unfortunately I can't remember, I am pretty sure it was cosistently at 5+ then it finally cycled.. I had made the mistake of putting 3 fish in there to begin with.... As a result 2 died. Had to save my 3rd one over 2 weeks or so, then put him back, for 2 weeks, before adding my 2 new ones the day before yesterday..

That is the last time, I will do a fish cycle, fishless from now on that's for sure.