All Fish Sat On Gravel

[Gillette1985]

i've been out for most of the day, just returned to find all my fish and shrimps almost lifeless on the gravel. I've 3 guppies, 5 neon tetras and 6 cherry shrimp.

The colour of the neons and shrimp was totally washed out, shrimps were almost opaque. Done a quick water test to find my ammonia at 2.0ppm. I've just changed 90% of the water and added some aquarium salt.

Could the fish have just been sleeping as the light was off? Do they tend to loose their vibrant colours during the night time? Would it have been just the high ammonia that would of caused this, and if i had not caught it i would be without fish by morning??

After doing the WC, all fish have "perked" up, especially the guppies.

 

[AstonN24vantage]

tank size and other parameters plz

 

[Gillette1985]

23litre tank
ph 7.2
ammonia was tested at 2.0ppm - now currently 0-0.25ppm
No2 0
No3 0


have been doing daily water changes of 60-80% everyday

 

[AstonN24vantage]

are you cycling? that may be the reason. theres no nitrate.

doesn't 6 gallons seem a bit small for the fish you have?

 

[WILDER]

Your tanks severely overstocked.

The tanks not really any good for any of the fish you keep.

Even though there small fish there active fish.
You need at least an 8 to 10 gal tank.

Until you reduce your stocking you will struggle with water quality.
\
Immediate water change and increase aeration.

Pale fish is a sign of stress, bad water quality, desease.