Cichlids

[mdottyp]

hi i am new to tropical fish keeping, and i have just converted my tropical fish to cichlads, i checked my ammonia for the first time and it was slightley high, i have done a partial water change, but my fish arnt moving or feeding, i was told the ammonia would slightly high as it takes time for the cycle to work, i have had my tank 2 weeks can any one please help, ps do i add bactaria every time i do a partial water change. thanks

 

[azzaknight]

do you have fish init??

 

[mdottyp]

do you have fish init??

thanks for reply, yes 6 milawi cichlids, there very new to the the tank, but arnt moving to much or feeding

 

[azzaknight]

you should only add fish after the tank has been up and running for about 6-8 weeks while the filter builds up bacteria. that could be the reason why they arent moving and they aint feeding. i would probibly move the fish out into a different established tank and if you cant do that i would take them back till your tank has been running for 6-8 weeks. i dont know alot about chiclids but they need an established tank before you put them in it.

 

[waterdrop]

Yes, agree with azza, your fish are in a rather urgent situation. It would be ideal to re-home them back to the store or to another established aquarium if possible, otherwise it may be difficult to keep them alive.

If you have to keep them, you need to consult our help posts for "Fish-In" cycing within the Beginners Resource Center here in the "New to the Hobby" section.

You need to begin by doing daily water changes of 50-70% with conditioner and rough temperature matching (your hand is good enough.) Conditioner is the chemical that removes chloramines or chlorine. Meanwhile you need to find a liquid-reagent based test kit. Many of us like and use the API Freshwater Master Test Kit, which has tests for ammonia, nitrite(NO2), pH and nitrate(NO3.) After you get the test kit and read the instructions, you need to quickly test and post up your tap water and tank water results here so the members can look over your situation and further advise.

~~waterdrop~~

 

[rewlyn]

yes i agree ive had some big headaches doing mine

if you want to check out "ammonia levels high" by"rewlyn"(thats me)

it will give you more of an idea what to expect