Help

[Bexx]

Hi Everyone

I would be ery greatful of some advice. I am so upset right now I could just cry. I set up a fish tank according to per shop instruction, got fish today day 5, as they said it would be OK. I asked how many fish to get etc. I got 2 male, 2 female guppies and 2 tiger barbs.

Soon I noticed one male guppie was sitting at the top of the tank , then an hour or so later all 4 were. Thinking something was up I started looking on the net. It soon became clear, nitrogen cycle etc,, argh! I then changed 10% of the water, then my smaller tiger barb started looking like it was sitting still and on an angle. Then I read somewhere to do a massive water change, so I have now done a 60% water change followed by a 20% water change. My male guppie is still sitting at the top, the others stay at the top for a while then have an occasional swim, my baby tiger barb is sat neat the surface above the pump but tail up (either he is sick or just sick of the bigger barb chasing him) please help and what do you think. Will they die?

What can I do in the morning to help them. Please Help. x

 

[Tolak]

We have a standard information bit we have folks with trouble fill out;

Tank size:
pH:
ammonia:
nitrite:
nitrate:
kH:
gH:
tank temp:

Fish Symptoms (include full description including lesion, color, location, fish behavior):

Volume and Frequency of water changes:

Chemical Additives or Media in your tank:

Tank inhabitants:

Recent additions to your tank (living or decoration):

Exposure to chemicals:

Digital photo (include if possible):

Don't worry if you can't fill all of those out. What exactly were the instructions the shop gave you, and what are you using (product name) to treat the replacement water? What did you do to acclimate the new fish?

 

[hihi100202]

Please don't cry

Well first off, Never EVER trust any fish store employee. EVER. All they want is money. You shouldn't of put any fish in yet.

Here is some questions you should answer:

1. Tank size?
2. Did you cycle the tank?
3. What are your water stats?
4. Have you put any meds/ chemicals in the tank? If so, what?

I think you can save them possibly but chances are slim.

 

[Bexx]

I put in Nutrafin (for the bacteria)
Then aqua plus (for the chlorine)
Water temp is 24c
Dont know the anything else, dont have a water testing kit, im so upset with the shop. I thought I have done my best taking their advice.

I sat the fish on the top in the bag for 30 mins then slowly added the tank water.

If any of the fish are alive in the morning should I take them back to the shop, or will this be even worse for them.

Im going to get some water tesing its in the orning what else can I do. x

I put in Nutrafin (for the bacteria)
Then aqua plus (for the chlorine)
Water temp is 24c
Dont know the anything else, dont have a water testing kit, im so upset with the shop. I thought I have done my best taking their advice.

I sat the fish on the top in the bag for 30 mins then slowly added the tank water.

If any of the fish are alive in the morning should I take them back to the shop, or will this be even worse for them.

Im going to get some water tesing its in the orning what else can I do. x

I have no live plants in, just plastic ones
I also have a feature than blows out bubbles

I put in Nutrafin (for the bacteria)
Then aqua plus (for the chlorine)
Water temp is 24c
Dont know the anything else, dont have a water testing kit, im so upset with the shop. I thought I have done my best taking their advice.

I sat the fish on the top in the bag for 30 mins then slowly added the tank water.

If any of the fish are alive in the morning should I take them back to the shop, or will this be even worse for them.

Im going to get some water tesing its in the orning what else can I do. x

I put in Nutrafin (for the bacteria)
Then aqua plus (for the chlorine)
Water temp is 24c
Dont know the anything else, dont have a water testing kit, im so upset with the shop. I thought I have done my best taking their advice.

I sat the fish on the top in the bag for 30 mins then slowly added the tank water.

If any of the fish are alive in the morning should I take them back to the shop, or will this be even worse for them.

Im going to get some water tesing its in the orning what else can I do. x

I have no live plants in, just plastic ones
I also have a feature than blows out bubbles

Did I say its a 63 litre tank

 

[hihi100202]

I'm not sure if you should take them back. Personally, I wouldn't. Unless you paid an unusually high price for them.

 

[Bexx]

I'm not sure if you should take them back. Personally, I wouldn't. Unless you paid an unusually high price for them.

As in give them back to save them? Not for a refund. Is there anything I can do in the morning to help my fish? Thanks x

 

[Tolak]

You can either take back the fish and do what is known as a fishless cycle, or take back the barbs and a male guppy and do a traditional cycle. The fishless cycle is the most recommended method to use, as there is no risk to fish and no daily large water changes. Information on cycling can be found here.

Shops giving poor advice is nothing new, you did a good job acclimating the fish. One of my concerns is the dechlorinator, look for Seachem Prime or Tetra Aquasafe, much better products. If you get the water tested ask for numbers, in any event you will need to have a test kit if you are cycling a tank, especially the first time.

 

[hihi100202]

I don't think theres much, since you didn't cycle your tank. (5 days doesn't count)

Have the barbs been harassing the guppies at all?

This is why you research BEFORE you buy.

 

[Bexx]

You can either take back the fish and do what is known as a fishless cycle, or take back the barbs and a male guppy and do a traditional cycle. The fishless cycle is the most recommended method to use, as there is no risk to fish and no daily large water changes. Information on cycling can be found here.

Shops giving poor advice is nothing new, you did a good job acclimating the fish. One of my concerns is the dechlorinator, look for Seachem Prime or Tetra Aquasafe, much better products. If you get the water tested ask for numbers, in any event you will need to have a test kit if you are cycling a tank, especially the first time.

Thankyou, I will get a test kit and take your advice. I have a friend with a tropical tank, mayb e he might take them for a while. If not it may be back to the shop tomorrow. If I keep the female guppies should I get something to help with the ammonia levels, either live plants or a water treatment? x

You can either take back the fish and do what is known as a fishless cycle, or take back the barbs and a male guppy and do a traditional cycle. The fishless cycle is the most recommended method to use, as there is no risk to fish and no daily large water changes. Information on cycling can be found here.

Shops giving poor advice is nothing new, you did a good job acclimating the fish. One of my concerns is the dechlorinator, look for Seachem Prime or Tetra Aquasafe, much better products. If you get the water tested ask for numbers, in any event you will need to have a test kit if you are cycling a tank, especially the first time.

Thankyou, I will get a test kit and take your advice. I have a friend with a tropical tank, mayb e he might take them for a while. If not it may be back to the shop tomorrow. If I keep the female guppies should I get something to help with the ammonia levels, either live plants or a water treatment? x

I am very sorry If I have upset anyone by posting here, I did reaearch, you would think by asking in a pet shop that would be sufficient. I can understand how it must be annoying having people like me asking stupid questions. Trust me nobody is more upset than me right now. I am trying my best and looking for help. x

 

[Tolak]

Read the info I linked to, you will learn a lot. In a traditional cycle you have to do daily water changes to remove ammonia, adding things will only take care of the first part of the cycle.

If you can get some mature media from your friend's tank that will help to move the cycle along quicker.

 

[Bexx]

You can either take back the fish and do what is known as a fishless cycle, or take back the barbs and a male guppy and do a traditional cycle. The fishless cycle is the most recommended method to use, as there is no risk to fish and no daily large water changes. Information on cycling can be found here.

Shops giving poor advice is nothing new, you did a good job acclimating the fish. One of my concerns is the dechlorinator, look for Seachem Prime or Tetra Aquasafe, much better products. If you get the water tested ask for numbers, in any event you will need to have a test kit if you are cycling a tank, especially the first time.

Thankyou, I will get a test kit and take your advice. I have a friend with a tropical tank, mayb e he might take them for a while. If not it may be back to the shop tomorrow. If I keep the female guppies should I get something to help with the ammonia levels, either live plants or a water treatment? x

You can either take back the fish and do what is known as a fishless cycle, or take back the barbs and a male guppy and do a traditional cycle. The fishless cycle is the most recommended method to use, as there is no risk to fish and no daily large water changes. Information on cycling can be found here.

Shops giving poor advice is nothing new, you did a good job acclimating the fish. One of my concerns is the dechlorinator, look for Seachem Prime or Tetra Aquasafe, much better products. If you get the water tested ask for numbers, in any event you will need to have a test kit if you are cycling a tank, especially the first time.

Thankyou, I will get a test kit and take your advice. I have a friend with a tropical tank, mayb e he might take them for a while. If not it may be back to the shop tomorrow. If I keep the female guppies should I get something to help with the ammonia levels, either live plants or a water treatment? x

I am very sorry If I have upset anyone by posting here, I did reaearch, you would think by asking in a pet shop that would be sufficient. I can understand how it must be annoying having people like me asking stupid questions. Trust me nobody is more upset than me right now. I am trying my best and looking for help. x

I also asked which fish go with which, the shop said they would be fine together. x

You can either take back the fish and do what is known as a fishless cycle, or take back the barbs and a male guppy and do a traditional cycle. The fishless cycle is the most recommended method to use, as there is no risk to fish and no daily large water changes. Information on cycling can be found here.

Shops giving poor advice is nothing new, you did a good job acclimating the fish. One of my concerns is the dechlorinator, look for Seachem Prime or Tetra Aquasafe, much better products. If you get the water tested ask for numbers, in any event you will need to have a test kit if you are cycling a tank, especially the first time.

Thankyou, I will get a test kit and take your advice. I have a friend with a tropical tank, mayb e he might take them for a while. If not it may be back to the shop tomorrow. If I keep the female guppies should I get something to help with the ammonia levels, either live plants or a water treatment? x

You can either take back the fish and do what is known as a fishless cycle, or take back the barbs and a male guppy and do a traditional cycle. The fishless cycle is the most recommended method to use, as there is no risk to fish and no daily large water changes. Information on cycling can be found here.

Shops giving poor advice is nothing new, you did a good job acclimating the fish. One of my concerns is the dechlorinator, look for Seachem Prime or Tetra Aquasafe, much better products. If you get the water tested ask for numbers, in any event you will need to have a test kit if you are cycling a tank, especially the first time.

Thankyou, I will get a test kit and take your advice. I have a friend with a tropical tank, mayb e he might take them for a while. If not it may be back to the shop tomorrow. If I keep the female guppies should I get something to help with the ammonia levels, either live plants or a water treatment? x

I am very sorry If I have upset anyone by posting here, I did reaearch, you would think by asking in a pet shop that would be sufficient. I can understand how it must be annoying having people like me asking stupid questions. Trust me nobody is more upset than me right now. I am trying my best and looking for help. x

I also asked which fish go with which, the shop said they would be fine together. x

Thanks Tolak, Should I take the barbs back and complain that i was advised wrongly on fish compatibility? x

 

[Tolak]

Much of it depends on what cycling method you plan on using. Look at the info in the link, at least the barbs & a male guppy will have to go back if you opt for a traditional cycle with fish. All will have to go back if you do a fishless cycle. In either case I would get some mature media if possible.

BTW, you're not upsetting or annoying anyone, we deal with the aftermath of shop advice all the time.

 

[Bexx]

Thankyou very much for your kind words. I will try my best and see how I get on. One of the bigger barbs is swimming around very happily, the other not so happy. I will let you know how I get on. I will read that thread now. Thanks again x

 

[Tolak]

You're welcome, we'll be here!

 

[gbailey141]

Welcome to the forums Bexx. You couldn't be in a better place for help and advice on everything fishy. The guys on here have a wealth of knowledge and experience and you will find someone is always willing to help. Good luck with sorting your current problem out and don't give up on fish keeping just yet. It is very rewarding in the end.

Gav