Fish In Trouble :(

[Caro]

I have just started out with a very small fish tank (approx. 1.7 gallons) a month ago. The LFS store was more then happy to sell me a couple of goldfish and I was dumb enough to add an algae eater + a common pleco...

I've lost my goldfishs (of course because I overstocked my tank, I realize that now) and since last nite, my algea eater has been acting very erradically.

He knocks himself out, literally, on the side of the tank, floats sideways or upside down and when he regains consciousness, he tries to dig himself into the gravel.

I'm seriously at a loss here. I plan on buying a 29 gallon tank in mid-January, but until then, could you please tell me what might be wrong with my algea eater? Has anyone ever experienced this?

The tank is 1.7 gallons, has an "elite" filter which takes foam like inserts and even though I've been trying my best to cycle it properly, the water is constantly cloudy which causes me to do water changes of 20-30% once every two days. I do add dechlorinator each time I do water changes and I've checked PH balances and the levels are ok.

I've thought about putting my algae eater with one of the bettas I've just rescued (my bettas are in seperate small bowls) but was told that the betta would eat the algae eater... I'm seriously at a loss here


Any advice, anyone?

 

[WILDER]

A water change immediately, plus look in the filter to see if the sponges wan't rinsing in old tank water, as goldfish are big waste producers and it wouldn't of taken them long to muck the filter and water up, first goldfish 20gals, then ever other goldfish added 10gals, plus a filter of twice the size of the tank, i don't think the algae eater will make it if hes acting like that, he's probably been burnt by the ammonia build up in the tank.

 

[Caro]

hi Wilder and thanks for your quick reply....

Should I move the algae eater to a bowl for now until I get the bigger fish tank? I do have water in a bucket at room temperature, which I've learned to do because of the frequency of water changes I've had to do...

*sigh*

poor little guy

PS I've been changing the filter bi-weekly because it gets really dirty very quickly...

 

[WILDER]

Just remove half of the water out of the tank for now and add fresh declorinated water back quickly as he's suffering.

 

[tttnjfttt]

I'm not sure where you are loccated, but how close are you to a walmart? I know they sell starter kits (10 gal) for $27. Even though that is not a long term solution, it would be better than the 1.7 gallon. Plus alot easier to keep the water clean. Or what about going to a LFS store and asking them to house your fish for a while?

 

[WILDER]

I would look for these signs, not the writer of this information below.
Ammonia Poisoning



Symptoms:

The fish will hang just under the surface with labored breathing. Its gills will appear to be lilac in color. Red streaking may be seen throughout the body and fins. Fishes with ammonia poisoning will become lethargic and eventually die, maintaining their full coloring. The ammonia will damage their skin, gills, nerves and internal organs. The red streaking is due to hemorrhages (internal and external bleeding). Its mucous membranes of the skin and intestine are also destroyed. Damage also occurs to the brain and central nervous system.



Cause:

Abnormally high levels of ammonia.



Treatment:

Test the water to confirm the disease. If ammonia levels are high, perform an immediate water change. It’s also a good idea to use a chemical that will remove the ammonia. Activated carbon, Ammo-Lock, or Tetra Easy Balance.

 

[tttnjfttt]

Oh yeah, and those tanks make nice betta tanks once you get the new one

 

[CroNiC]

Return one of your fish to the lfs immediately. The pleco is EXTREMELY big for that size of a tank. All i can say is cross ur fingers. And honestly if u love ur fish so much then instead of waiting for mid jan get it now. The difference is only 15 days.
Some LFS can be a pain.