petrastetra
Mostly New Member
Hello TFF,
So I have a 5-gallon tank set. I knew a little about the cycling process before but now with all the disasters it seems like I've had to do a whole lot more research. So I was reading that you can set your tank up plug in the filter and let it sit for a day and let the fish acclimate to the water temperature. But boy, there's a lot more to it. I got two Dalmatian Lyretail Mollies they're so beautiful and I love watching them eat and swim. I fed them some fish flakes (probably a regular dosage not thinking about the ammonia caused by the decomposing fish flakes). So anyway this morning I was severely disheartened to see one fish had died. I went to the petstore frantic wondering what I could've possible done wrong. The lady there was very helpful she recommended a concentrated bacteria solution that would start working instantly. After the first fish died I did a 50% water change. I put in a few things like air pump, heater w/ thermometer, and of course the bacteria solution (Tetra safe start I believe). I know within 30 days I can get a new fish at no extra charge so I'm not worried about that because the tank will be cycled enough probably by then considering it's so small. I'm worried about the fish still alive. I got my water tested today at the pet store the man working told me everything looked good the ammonia was pretty low 0.1-0.3 ppm. I'm afraid the water conditions are only this way because between putting the new items in and testing the water I did another 25% water change because I noticed she seemed lethargic and would sit on the floor of the tank just moving her gills. This worried me because sometimes she would jolt out of it and swim around again normally. Once I did the 25% water change she mostly stuck near the top not gasping for air, but just below the waterline just swimming in place, I think that this though was temperature variation because after testing the water she was moving around fine. The man at the pet store after testing my water said to leave it alone for 24 hours. The water gets really cloudy and I know this is bacteria booming. I'm just conflicted of what to do with her. Leave her in the tank and wait it out until the water is clear but I'm worried she may die this way, or return her to the pet store so she has a safe cycled tank to stay in until my tank is done cycling. I 'd like to avoid returning because I've gotten quite attached, I cried a lot when I had to flush the other one. Ultimately I want to do what's best for the fish though. I'm just sorry to see her go if I have to. Is there anyway I could keep her in the tank and still have my water be at appropriate levels? I'm feeding her now bare minimum so as to avoid overing the ammonia. As I said the petstore guy said be patient and wait, but would water changes not be better for the fish? I need a little help. The filter bag has already developed some bacteria and I bought bio-balls to help grow more. I just don't want another fish to die. Please help!
So I have a 5-gallon tank set. I knew a little about the cycling process before but now with all the disasters it seems like I've had to do a whole lot more research. So I was reading that you can set your tank up plug in the filter and let it sit for a day and let the fish acclimate to the water temperature. But boy, there's a lot more to it. I got two Dalmatian Lyretail Mollies they're so beautiful and I love watching them eat and swim. I fed them some fish flakes (probably a regular dosage not thinking about the ammonia caused by the decomposing fish flakes). So anyway this morning I was severely disheartened to see one fish had died. I went to the petstore frantic wondering what I could've possible done wrong. The lady there was very helpful she recommended a concentrated bacteria solution that would start working instantly. After the first fish died I did a 50% water change. I put in a few things like air pump, heater w/ thermometer, and of course the bacteria solution (Tetra safe start I believe). I know within 30 days I can get a new fish at no extra charge so I'm not worried about that because the tank will be cycled enough probably by then considering it's so small. I'm worried about the fish still alive. I got my water tested today at the pet store the man working told me everything looked good the ammonia was pretty low 0.1-0.3 ppm. I'm afraid the water conditions are only this way because between putting the new items in and testing the water I did another 25% water change because I noticed she seemed lethargic and would sit on the floor of the tank just moving her gills. This worried me because sometimes she would jolt out of it and swim around again normally. Once I did the 25% water change she mostly stuck near the top not gasping for air, but just below the waterline just swimming in place, I think that this though was temperature variation because after testing the water she was moving around fine. The man at the pet store after testing my water said to leave it alone for 24 hours. The water gets really cloudy and I know this is bacteria booming. I'm just conflicted of what to do with her. Leave her in the tank and wait it out until the water is clear but I'm worried she may die this way, or return her to the pet store so she has a safe cycled tank to stay in until my tank is done cycling. I 'd like to avoid returning because I've gotten quite attached, I cried a lot when I had to flush the other one. Ultimately I want to do what's best for the fish though. I'm just sorry to see her go if I have to. Is there anyway I could keep her in the tank and still have my water be at appropriate levels? I'm feeding her now bare minimum so as to avoid overing the ammonia. As I said the petstore guy said be patient and wait, but would water changes not be better for the fish? I need a little help. The filter bag has already developed some bacteria and I bought bio-balls to help grow more. I just don't want another fish to die. Please help!
