Concern For New Tank

[gabbagabbahey38]

I just recently set up my new 20 gal tank, it's my first time having fish. I ran my tank for a week with a filter and heater and started to use nutrafin cycle as I as told it would speed up the cycling process. I purchased four red eyed tetras, a black molly, and a shrimp which was misnamed at the pet store. The Black Molly is doing great, eating algae, and is very active. The shrimp has not stopped hiding for over two days, and one of the four tetra died. I'm concerned about the tetras if one died already. The one I found had it's back fin somewhat pinned under a piece of gravel, is that a possible cause of death? Also should I be concerned if my shrimp stays in two places, and doesn't appear to be eating?

Thanks.

 

[elisew]

Hi,

It sounds like you`ve added fish to your tank without it being 'cycled'. Many, many people are badly advised by fish shops and the sad consequence is that fish die unnecessarily. You`re not the first and will by no means be the last to be in the predicament that you`re in at the moment.

Do you by any chance have a liquid test kit so that you can check the quality of your water? How long exactly has your tank been running and have you done any water changes at all with fresh, dechlorinated water?


First thing I think you need to do is a 40-50% water change asap......in fact now if you can, secondly, have a read here for information on how to cycle your tank: http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/277264-beginners-resource-center/

I have no doubt some of the other members will be along very soon to help and advise you further.

 

[gabbagabbahey38]

Thank you for your reply... It is sad indeed, I also have noticed that the fish are starting to exhibit symptoms of the shimmy's possibly. The tank had been running for over a week, and I put the fish in two days ago. I will immediately change 40-50 percent of the water. thank you.

 

[waterdrop]

Right, a typical beginner aquarium is not ready for fish for the first couple of months while the hobbyist prepares a working biofilter system. Otherwise you are plunged in to the world of tropical fish diseases and deaths. The patience it would take to learn and do the biofilter process is not something the retail business can stomach usually and failure at it actually builds in a little boost of medicine and extra fish purchases, so its a vicious circle from the point of view of us hobbyists. We see dozens of cases like yours each month here on TFF.

elisew has started the process of pointing you in the right direction in our Beginners Resource Center and of course its also a fun way to learn to read the threads of others here in the beginners section and participate.

~~waterdrop~~
Welcome to TFF!

 

[gabbagabbahey38]

Thank you for your replys. I did a 40-50 percent water change and the fish have "stabilized" they look a little bit better today. Should I do another water change today, and if so how much? I know I'm in a bad situation right now and there's not much to do, but I'd like to save my fish as best as I can.

Thank you again.

 

[AstonN24vantage]

yeah i would do like a 35% water change. if these fish live, then you're doing a good job

 

[gabbagabbahey38]

Okay I'll do another water change tonight, slightly less than the previous one.

If I did cycle this tank for lets say a few months or so, does it matter when I put the fish in the tank, or does it have to be when the cycle restarts?