A Sad, sad day.

[Skylar]

Well, my tank was absolutely disgusting looking. Nothing was helping. Water changes didn't work, syphoning out some of the gunk didn't work. So I got mad and tore my tank apart. Seriously. I figured I'd start new and cycle it the right way, this time instead of putting my beautiful fish's lives on the line. Which happened anyway. So I drained the water halfway, netted out the fish with the help of my dad and removed the plants and ornaments. Then my dad and I spent half an hour to 45 minutes taking all the gravel out, washing the gravel, washing the tank and the plants and ornaments. The plants are plastic by the way. Before, algae had been everywhere. My catfish wasn't eating it so he's basically just sitting there while algae takes over my whole tank. It was my dad's birthday (great birthday present, eh? cleaning up fish poop?) and we ordered chinese food and we went upstairs (my tank is in my basement) to eat it. After, we refilled my tank with fresh water from the tap. But, to my surprise, Im out of water conditioner! And dad wouldnt take me down to the LFS to buy any. I figured, they'll be okay for one night. Pfft. We put them back into the tank and the guppy and catfish were having fun swimming around and playing tag and whatever. But four of my neon tetras were floating on their backs but still breathing. I freaked out and started crying while my dad tried to flip them over right ways up. Im a big crybaby when it comes to fish dying. (When my betta died, I didn't want to go to school cause when I thought of fish, i would burst out in tears. )

Well, eventually all of them died and dad flushed them down the toilet (no fish in the garbage, says mom. ) I stuck my finger in the water i had kept them in while cleaning out the tank and it was freezing cold. It was my dad's fault, however, that they died because he wouldn't let me acclimate them. He doesnt believe that i know more about fish than he does. He's taking me down to the LFS today so I can get some new fish and some water conditioner.

Sorry for the long post but I need to ask one more thing. What other fish could I put in my tank? Stock is in my signature, minus the tetras. I'd like to stick a betta in there.. I also need something that isnt too sensitive to put in my tank to clean up uneaten food and stuff. And it can't be too small because my striped rapheal will eat it.

Thanks,
Skylar.

 

[fufanu360]

wel... theres many reason why they all died first of all how was that "properly cycling your tank"? and second fish CANNOT live with chlorine or chloramine, and also how could you put water in the tank without even checking the temperature?
you made many mistake and you need to cycle your tank before you get any new fish....

wut size of tank?

 

[Skylar]

Yes, I realize why they died. and no, this wasn't properly cycling my tank. It was starting over because the tank has never cycled. I know that they cannot live with chlorine and chloramine. Without checking the temperatue? Pfft. I did. Im talking about the water that grew cold in the bowls. My catfish passed away last night which my dad just informed me of, as well. Its a 10 gallon.

 

[fufanu360]

raphael cats get to about 8 1/2 inches, much to big for your tank, so wut "bowls" are you talking about that grew cold?

 

[redtailblackshark]

that is so sad. But lucky for me, I don't live in town and do not need water conditoner. I would've walked down to the LFS, or would have drove myself (don't have a license yet)

 

[Skylar]

I kept the fish in different bowls while cleaning the tank. and yes, I know that the catfish gets very big but it is gone to fishie heaven now so all I have in my tank is a male guppy.

 

[newfishies]

did you clean out the filter too? there should still be bacteria in that , but it may have been killed of by the chlorinated water you put in the tank...i don't know how ling it takes to kill the bacteria, but my guess is that your tank is going to re-cycle...do you have a test kit?

sorry to hear about losing all the fishies...

 

[Skylar]

Yes, I have a test kit for ammonia but my LFS has to order in the nitrate and nitrite kits. I cleaned the filter in tank water, nothing else. At any sign of high ammonia, nitrate or nitrite levels, I'll remove my guppy.

 

[WILDER]

Sorry for your loss R.I.P.

 

[bigfish]

Such a bummer poor fishies!!!! sounds to me that you were in a rush!!!! you knew that the fish don't agree with the cholrine etc.... so why tempt fate in risking it even for 1 night........ How long were they in there bowls for water doesn't drop in temp that rapidily if you only spent 30-45mins on doing the tank. You should of got a bucket or a big bin put the fishies together, added the filter and heater and volia done in style you could of even left them like this overnight. I always check i have conditioner b4 i decide such stuff......

When i put water back in the tank i usually mix hotwater and cold together so it's slightly tepid & less energy on the heater too!!!

Now what i suggest you do is cycle your tank with Mr Guppy and keep testing water etc. and making sure everything is working filter, heater etc. BEFORE you even think of going fish shopping.

Hope this doesn't sound offending in any way.........but we all learn of our mistakes don't we

Sorry about the losses of such beautiful fish if i was you i'd keep ya dad outta of the way too....

 

[Inchworm]

Hi Skylar

I'm so sorry that you lost all your fish.

But let's try to look on the bright side here. You have a dad who would take the time out to help you clean your tank, even though it was his birthday. Perhaps you will be able to get him to help you get it up and going again.

It would probably help greatly if you would encourage him to join the forum and post too. The two of you can learn the hobby together and have a great time.

And too, you have already learned much, both about what to do and what not to do, by having kept your fish. Their little lives will not have been wasted if it helps you to be better able to keep your future fish safe, healthy and happy.