Guppies...

[jsmathieson]

all my guppies just started to hang out at the top of the tank all the time. I just had a couple of them die and I was wondering if this behavor means that there is something wrong with them.

 

[riverman444]

Do you test water for ammonia? If so, what are your readings?

 

[Qays]

Also, what filter do you have?

 

[jsmathieson]

I had the water tested and it looked fine (I didn't test it myself so I don't know the reading) and I have a Tetra Whisper Power Filter... I just changed the filter cartridge today.. I have had cloudy water but it seems to be getting better. My PH was really high but I fixed that too. I have been having problems with my heater but I got a good one today so that shouldnt be a problem (hopefully) I am very new at this. I just got the tank 2 months ago. I am learning as I go.... Thanks

 

[SamUK]

did you change all the filter media for new?

you should of left atleast some of what was in the filter in the tank whilst the new filter matured.


if you havent then your tank will be cycling all over again.

youll need to get the old filter cartidge back in there.

 

[mark456]

like samUK says it sounds like your have changed all the filter media and lost all your good bacteria.

 

[reddannyh]

Fish at the top of the tank gasping is usually a sign of asphyxiation (spelling lol?) could be a case of high ammonia, nitrite or a sharp increase in nitrate.

 

[blackguppy]

Hi Jesi. I'd suggest getting your own test kit, and monitoring your tank on a regular basis. 10 % water changes every week are a must also. Cartridge replacement type filters such as the Whisper line have the big drawback of losing their biological filtration abilities with every cartridge change. I've switched over to using the Aquaclear filter line, because of that flaw. You can make some modifications to the Whispers, so that there is extra media in there that can be salvaged while the cartridges are being replaced. Or better still, just rinse the cartridge off in the siphoned out water from the water changes, and re-use them. I do note, that in the last few years, the bio bag replacements have really gone down in quality, and fall apart much faster than they used to. Don't be discouraged, and keep learning, we all suffered losses in the early years.