Advice On A Large Water Change

[finalfantay85]

One of my tetra died when i was in work today and i want to do as large a water change as possible cos i've not had a chance to do it in almost 2 weeks due to a problem with a fry tank.
Basically can anyone give me any advice on doing this as safely and as stress free for my fish?
The fish are 5 molly fry, 5 guppies, 8 copper harlequin rasboras and 5 flame tetra.

Thanks in advance for any help you can give me

 

[fatheadminnow]

The only thing you really need to know is just to temp match the new water with the current water in the tank. Using your hand will be fine. Other than that, you can take as much water out so that there is just enough water in the tank for the fish ti swim in. Also, do not forget to add water conditioner to the new water.

What are the tanks parameters? Ammonia, nitrite and nitrate at? Do you have any clue as to why the fish died?

Also, try to do weekly water changes, as water changes are key in a healthy fish tank!

-FHM

 

[finalfantay85]

I've not tested the water but it is way overdue a change. I normally change it regularly but we had some unexpected fry and the trap is wedged into my tank rather precariously and any movement causes the false bottom shift and the fry escape and become a snack for the guppies.
Dunno why the tetra died but it's tail was bent down so it's not a good sign. I'm putting it down to me not having changed the water soon enough. I feel bad about it

 

[fatheadminnow]

Bent spine? Sounds like an internal parasite to me?

-FHM

 

[finalfantay85]

Large water change and an internal parasite med then? There are fry in there too so do you recommend half dosage?
Only sign was the bent down tail but also it was wedged under a rock so dunno if that caused the bend in the tail. The belly wasn't sunken and it wasn't thin

 

[fatheadminnow]

I would not med at all unless there are really obvious signs of a parasite then. Right now, the dead tetra, is not enough evidence to go off of to dose a medications. Also, with fry in the tank I would advise against a med, as the fry could be really sensitive to the med and it could kill them. Just do the water change for now, make sure your ammonia and nitrite are at 0 ppm, and see where that takes you.

-FHM

 

[finalfantay85]

Ok thanks a lot. Will keep a close eye on them over the next few days to see if they show any other signs of illness