Another Dead Fish.

[rpgmomma8404]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Looks like I can't get the nitrite in control even after water changes (thought they were dropping but I guess not). So, now we have our last fish dying or dead (my son is sleeping and haven't been able to check on him). Now what should I do? I thought about draining the tank and just cleaning the hell out of everything and starting over. It's going to be a while before we can buy fish although a friend of mine offers to bring over guppy fry. I'm just not sure what to do at this point. I'm going to switch both the tanks I have to sand but it will be a bit before we get the sand also. Blah, I didn't realize how frustrating this all can be, lol. Any suggestions would be nice. [/SIZE]

 

[Blondielovesfish]

If you are going to start over, do a fishless cycle before adding any fish.
 
Also, sorry to hear about your fish!

 

[rpgmomma8404]

Yeah, I did a fishless cycle but I don't think the tank actually cycle fully. Tank was running for a month before I added the two guppies. I was dumb and listen to the guy at the pet store about adding them even though their test came out that the nitrites were a little elevated and it kind of went crazy after adding the fish. Yup, I'm starting over. Probably the best option right now. Also, learn that male guppies seem to just die even in the right conditions. I remember not having success with them a long time ago but figured I would try again. I think I might just go with something else once the tanks are cycled correctly. 

 

[Blondielovesfish]

Just checking...did you add an ammonia source when you first cycled the tank?
 
Do you have your own test kit?
 
Maybe you could try a Betta?

 

[rpgmomma8404]

I didn't get a test kit until after I got the fish. I found a barely used one on craigslist that came with a bunch of fish supplies and a 15 gallon tank for 30 bucks. We rely on the petsfart to tell us how the tank was going before that. I read online that adding a little bit of food would help with the ammonia if you didn't have any. I had a sample pack of food I got with my 10 gallon and was adding a little bit each day but didn't really seem to help much. I think I'll get the ammonia this time around. 
 
I'm really considering a betta. I love the look of dragonscale bettas. They are beautiful. I was even considering getting a divider so we can have two but I'm not sure if I want to risk it. Scared one will jump over it to get to the other. 

 

[Ninjouzata]

I didn't get a test kit until after I got the fish. I found a barely used one on craigslist that came with a bunch of fish supplies and a 15 gallon tank for 30 bucks. We rely on the petsfart to tell us how the tank was going before that. I read online that adding a little bit of food would help with the ammonia if you didn't have any. I had a sample pack of food I got with my 10 gallon and was adding a little bit each day but didn't really seem to help much. I think I'll get the ammonia this time around. 
 
I'm really considering a betta. I love the look of dragonscale bettas. They are beautiful. I was even considering getting a divider so we can have two but I'm not sure if I want to risk it. Scared one will jump over it to get to the other. 

Are you absolutely sure you want a dragonscale? A lot of times the scales grow over their eyes - blinding them. They're also more susceptible to tumors. As for the divider, havn't done it myself but seems to work in a lot of tanks quite well. Also sorry you're having a hard time.

 

[ncguppy830]

o ive heard of that but usally if you can get healthy ones from a breeder there lesss likely to get it?

 

[rpgmomma8404]

Oh I didn't know that about the dragonscale. Thanks for the information. Damn, that is a bummer. I seem to want to get fish with health problems, lol. 

 

[ncguppy830]

dont ket this deter you its not gurannteed to happen at all.

 

[rpgmomma8404]

dont ket this deter you its not gurannteed to happen at all.

Oh I know but the fish with the less potential health issues would be best.
 
I would just get some goldfish but both tanks are way too small and there is no way to tell when I would be able to upgrade to bigger tanks. 

 

[ncguppy830]

hmm well, do you like any other bettas then?

 

[rpgmomma8404]

Oh yeah, I love bettas. I just loved how the dragonscales looked.