Ammonia & pH problems

[dreamyshade]

Yes, the Stress Coat says it remove chlorine. I only add a few drops each time because it's such a small amount of water. I meant that the fish looked worse before I started the water changes.

I've had the tank for about two months, and the bio-wheel has been running for at least that long. My step-mom "cleaned" the bio-wheel once before, but I didn't notice the fish getting bothered then. Weird.

 

[tttnjfttt]

It sounds like you are on the right track now. I had my 5 gal (1st tank) set up and cycled for a little over a year, and in that time, i cleaned the filter twice (about every 6 months). Keep up with the water changes, and they should come through. Good Luck!

 

[dreamyshade]

OK, they just have to survive the night. My step-mom's friend doesn't care what happens to them, so I found a lfs that will take them and give me a betta. : ) I can probably take them there tomorrow morning.

Of course, I'm going to wait to get the new fish until this tank has finished cycling! And I'll buy a little heater and get rid of the current (with http/www.petfish.net/currentkill.htm). A betta seems like a good fit for my tank and experience level.

Time for another water change...

 

[tttnjfttt]

Heads up on bettas and filters...My betta had trouble with the intake current as well. His tail would get sucked up against it and he couldnt get away. I never did find a solution for this. So now he's just in an uncycled 5 gal, and I do weekly water changes, and he seems perky and happy.