2 Of My Fish Just Stopped Moving...

[MattM1124]

For those who don't know, I have had high ammonia in my tank (20 Gal) so I have been doing huge water changes twice a day for about a week. I've been taking out 10 gallons each time. Well, today I took out 12 and when I added the water back in, my black phantom tetra and otocinclus just stopped moving. Then when I touched them with the net they started swimming again. What caused this to happen? They acted like they were dead and didn't move for about 10 minutes.

Could this have been caused from a big change in PH or maybe temperature drop.... what would cause this to happen? I've been doing 10 gal changes and they have been fine but this 12 did this.

 

[WILDER]

That why I don't believe in massive water changes it can swing water stats to fast.
I would do smaller water changes rather than masssive ones.
Say 30%.
Did the ph alter alot.

 

[cheesy feet]

Most likely temp swings, fish become dopier when it gets colder, I do 50% water changes on my discus weekly and they are fine.

 

[WILDER]

I agree about the temp.
But a cycling tank the ph can swing so it important to know the ph before you do a water change and test tap ph as well.
If you swing the ph to fast the fish can go into ph shock.