Blind Angel Fish ?

[DylanNZ]

Hey everybody, Recently I upgraded my tank to a bigger 90L tank for my angel fish and 6 tigger barbs they were fine for the first day but then i noticed that my 2 angels started acting like they were blind bumping into everything and just acting strange. I did another 50% water change and then took a sample of my water into the local pet store for testing. They came back and said that my water is too hard and gave my some crushed oyster shells to put in the filter, unfortunately I lost my precious white angel fish this morning and my black angel is still acting strange and not eating at all. Does anybody have any advice for me ?

 

[Noahs ark6]

I advise that you buy your own test kit and post the results on here. Also, 90 litres is on the small side for 2 fully grown angels

 

[fluttermoth]

Well, first of all, as noahs ark says, your tank is going to be too small, long term.

There are a few other things.

Did you cycle the tank prior to adding the fish, or did you move their old filter (or filter media) with them?

Did you get any tests done for ammonia or nitrite?

Water is hard because it has a lot of dissolved minerals in it. Adding oyster shells (that will dissolve) will only make your water harder, which isn't good for angels. Take that out right away!

The best thing you can do, until you can get the ammonia and nitrite levels tested, is lots of large water changes. Start off with one very big one; drain nearly all the water out, leaving just enough for the fish to swim upright, before refilling with temperature matched, dechlorinated water, of course!

 

[DylanNZ]

The angel fish I had were only small hence the reason I brought a bigger tank as I was advised to buy the local pet store. I'm just worried that a dramatic water change will shock my sick angel fish.

 

[fluttermoth]

I can understand that. However, most fish 'diseases' are caused by poor water quality so, in the absence of any water stats, it's the best thing you can do.

If you're really worried, do two or three 25 or 30% changes, a few hours apart, rather than one large one.

Is this new tank cycled, or did you move the old filter/filter media?

 

[colleen0309]

First thing I would do is get a different lfs. I can't believe they gave you crushed oyster shells to soften the water! If you want to soften the water, you can add driftwood to the tank and put peat in the filter. I'd be more worried about the ammonia and nitrite. If you don't have a liquid based test kit, you should get one. Until you can test, do large water changes every day with temp matched, dechloinated water.

 

[DylanNZ]

I have taken out the oyster grit and I have done a 50% water change, My angel fish has come back to life and is looking much better!!!! Very pleased to have him back Thanks everyone for your advise. Also if my water is hard like the pet store said what would be the best way to soften my water ?

 

[creeker]

I have taken out the oyster grit and I have done a 50% water change, My angel fish has come back to life and is looking much better!!!! Very pleased to have him back Thanks everyone for your advise. Also if my water is hard like the pet store said what would be the best way to soften my water ?

I would get your water tested by someone reliable to make sure it's really all that hard. I wouldn't believe anything that LFS told you. Find out if others in your area are adjusting their PH or hardness.