Recent content by flowman

Update: took out wood, did a WC, lost the last 2 cardinals (all 6 died), but all of the other species are healthy. Will monitor and add the boiled piece of wood back after some time. Thanks.

Thanks, I didn’t get any pics of the fish pre-mortem, but I took out the wood (after boiling one piece for over an hour) will monitor and add back gradually. No visual symptoms in remaining fish 🤞

Oh, and as for behavior, I've kept fish for years, took a break for the last few...normal respiration and behavior, no clustering at the surface or near the filter output, tetras shoal and parade back and forth, cory's occasionally dash to the surface for a gulp of air--in other words nothing...

Thanks all, good points. I'm wondering about putting in the piece of wood that I boiled for an hour...wonder if that might have killed off any fungus. I wish I'd boiled it all after I saw how much color and scum came off the wood. Lost another cardinal today--I'll be monitoring closely...

Hello all, I'm losing fish and looking for suggestions. Sorry for the length, trying to provide complete background: 55g (208l) tank, 48" long, etc set up mid August with gravel substrate (previously used), hang on back filter and large sponge filter, combination of artificial and live plants...

I can't tell whether that's dark green or dark purple (nitrite), but it's bad either way. A 50% water change should cut it the ammonia/nitrite/nitrate levels in half--I'd recommend at least a 50% WC every day for the next several days. Be sure the temp and ph of the new water matches the...

Can the corys handle the higher temps? I guess short term it's better than catching ich?

This (from the seriously fish species profile) rings a bell, though I'm by no means a disease expert and haven't personally seen "hole in the head": This species should never be added to new or otherwise biologically immature aquaria. When conditions deteriorate it becomes susceptible to a...

Nice tank!

Welcome! Sometimes you can do everything right and still lose fish, but it's a lot more fun when they thrive.

Think like a fish...all those plants and decor are essential for their comfort. Without structure and cover (hiding places) most fish get stressed very quickly.

Wow, this forum is active! I agree with all these replies...if you're worried about whether the tank is cycled (your numbers indicate it's fine) be sure to test a few days after you've removed the carbon, especially that ammonia reducing zeolite blend. If you see ammonia spike then it's not...

Hi @Rhys19 , I'm new to the forum as well, and my first question for you would be "do you have any specific questions for us?" You seem to be well prepared to deal with water quality, etc, but have a very lightly stocked tank...how long has it been running? It seems to have finished cycling...

Hi folks, first time member, lifetime on/off fish keeper. Started 5 decades ago, enjoyed fish so much I wrote my MS thesis on Gambusia, embarrassed to meet amateurs back then who had better setups than I did as an "academic professional". I'm partial to community tanks, have tried a few SA...