3 Dead Fish - Rest Are Gasping @ Top!

[Bristol]

So for the past week I have been battling with VERY low PH, I mean between 6.0 and 6.4. I have talked to Big als and they recomended this white powder from Seachem (Neutral regulator or something?) I gave that 4 days and the PH Didn't even budge, then I tried doing a 30% water change at which point the PH Rose to 6.4 now today it's back at 6.0.

I went to King eds and asked for some help, they suggested doing a 50% Water change since my tap water is a perfect 7.0 pretty much.

So I just got home to do this and I have 3 dead fish, the rest of the fish are all at the top of the tank gasping. The BF IS currently doing the 50% Water change as suggested.

Is there anything else I could do? What could have caused this to happen? My tank is SO stable - it never budges on the numbers even when I had it first set up the PH Was always good!

The only changes are a new Rena filter & Changing the gravel to Florite.
Could it be that? Also with the filter is it ok that the water is not hitting the top of the water like my bio-wheel did? I've heard it nmeeds to hit and "Break" The water as that is how fish get their oxygen.....could this be a problem?

Thanks in advance everyone

Just re-tested after the 50% Water change :

PH = 6.0
Ammonia: 0.50
Nitrite: 1.0-2.0

I tested ammonia and nitrates on wensday and they were at 0 for ammonia & .25 for nitrates.

I Do have a somewhat planted tank as well....no co2

 

[for_my_fish]

you mention a new filter, did you run your old filter with the new one for a couple of weeks, or put some of the filter media (sponges etc) form the old filter into the new one. It sounds like your tank is cycling due to filter change. You really need to get rid of that amonia.

Cut back on feeding (actually wouldn't feed them for two days). Do your water changes. You may need to do the current 50% now and then another 25% later today. If you have lights on your tank kepp them switched off. THe fish are going to be stressed already, the darkness will help them.

I'd stop adding the chemicals to adjust your ph, its complicating the situation. Never used florite, but sure someone else can answer that one.

good luck with , and keep us posted, theres loads of helpful people around

 

[for_my_fish]

you do add declorinator when you do water changes?

Just re-read your post. AS the amonia etc is still there I would be tempted to change say a gallon of water every hour for today, this should bring it down without stressing the fish too much.

what size tank and what fish are we dealing with?

 

[Amunet]

Sounds like your tank is cycling.
As formyfish asked.. did you take some of your old filter media to help seed the new filter with some beneficial bacteria?
Is there enough aeration in the tank? Are you using an air stone, wand, etc etc?
You should probably think about getting an air pump + air stone or wand if your fish have been gasping.

 

[for_my_fish]

must be busy doing water changes

Let us know how you are getting on!

 

[Bristol]

Wow thanks for all the replys everyone!
It is a 39 Gallon tank, It is a brand new filter - I just finished hooking the old one back up so now I have them both going.

I am using the Tap water conditioner, as well as the "Good Bacteria" Aquarium salt & Plant food.

I also turned the lights off - The fish seem to be a bit better, not sitting at the top anymore they seem to be back just as normal!

I re-tested the PH Just now and it was still the same,and I also tested the tap water which is only at 6.4 now! Could I use bottled water to do the water changes with? Would that work better?


Thanks again for all the help everyone!!!

oh and forgot to add, we changed the filter so it was streaming down on the water, put the air pump with airstones back in & Now the Bio wheel filter which was my old one is in as well!

 

[WILDER]

Don't alter the ph it will be all over the place the tanks cycling.
How many fish and which type are in the tank.

 

[Bristol]

I have:
2 baby Bala sharks
2 Paradise fish
2 German Rams
2 Molly babys
2 Platys
2 dwarf gouramis
4 Tetras

in a 39 Gallon tank.....

 

[WILDER]

The bala sharks need a bigger tank, how big are they.

 

[Bristol]

Yes I know - they are tiny, I've only had them for 1 month & The LFS Said they were very young, I am getting a bigger tank in two moths. As of now they have tons of room in the tank.

 

[vinylman]

Don't bother with bottled bacteria products - they're an absolute waste of money. As has been said, wait until the cycle has finished, then test the ph again.