Gasping neons

[tanker]

I have a new tank with 2 neons in it (just breaking in). The water is cloudy, and the fish are gasping for air at the surface. They dont move from there. I'm due to go to the store tomorrow and they said they'll do a test for me to see if its ok to add some more fish. Bit worried that i've done something wrong. I've added all the neutralising stuff etc. My only worry is the filter, it has a flow controller and the manual doesn't give an optimum rate. It has a carbon pad supplied (only in 1 wk). Any help would be good.

 

[elgecko]

Sounds like the tank is new and not cycled. Your ammonia and nitrites will spike during the cycling period. Alot of fish can not stand these spikes when a tank is cycling and will die. Here's a link that explains the cycle process.
http/www.worldcichlids.com/faqs/cycling.html

 

[snotirl]

What i know is that u have to leave the new tank for like 6 weeks wit everyting on and anything ph level every week before putting in the fish!

 

[Pufferpack]

Sounds like an ammonia spike, I think a small (10-20%) water change would help.
What type of filter are you using? On most of the back mounted filters I've seen you can adjust the flow rate by shifting the intake tube to the left or right so that it moves to a different spot over the impeller (completely covering the impeller for full flow, and almost beside the impeller for lowest flow)

 

[tanker]

Update:

2 days later, the water cleared, the fish started looking more like themselves.

Tested water, ammonia was 2
Nitrite was off the scale!

Now both levels are almost right.

Did a small water change as suggested, made sure filter was on full. Oh, by the way, I treated myself to an air bubble wall feature thingy. This has helped the surface scum....well its gone!

Thanks for help in my minor beginner panic. Sure there will be more to come!