My Baby Is Dying!

[xena_00_uk]

Had my tank for ages, but I have been having a little nightmare for the past week and a bit. I fed my fish (only have - had two) these tetra pellet things while i went away for christmas. I got back and the tank was virtually black with sludge. Added to that the temp had dropped as my heater decided to play up.

I gave a 25% clean, and bought a new heater and replaced it. However the heater was cracked. The temp was way too high and I had to try and cool it very quickly with water - stupid!! Took it back and put a new one in. Since it has gone cloudy, thought it may have been the shifting of the tank to and fro so left it a day.
Fish not eating and one has died.
I have been told to do a 10% daily water change and put an oxygen tablet in which I have - not been able to get back to shop to buy a tester yet, but it smells like vinegar so I reckon ammonia is too high.
I so desperately want to save my last lil angel fish - am I doing the right thing at the moment?
I can get to the shop in the morning..
please help

 

[tttnjfttt]

It sounds like you are doing all you can. You REALLY need to get your water tested to tell you what is going on in there. Take some water with you to the LFS and also buy a test kit while you are there. When something goes wrong, having one on hand to begin immediately fixing the problem really helps.

 

[WILDER]

Keep up with the water changes smaller one's now that you have done some, so you don't alter the ph to much as if you have a high ammonia reading it would of altered your ph, do you have an airstone for extra aeration.

 

[xena_00_uk]

Keep up with the water changes smaller one's now that you have done some, so you don't alter the ph to much as if you have a high ammonia reading it would of altered your ph, do you have an airstone for extra aeration.

No I don't have a air stone, but will see if they have them there tomorrow too, thanks for the reassurance it has been like animal hospital in my front room this week and Ive had little sleep as I have been trying to tackle it when I get home from work.
Will get a testing kit tomorrow too, point noted about having one on hand. My angel is hanging on in for the time being...
thanks

 

[WILDER]

Good luck.

 

[WILDER]

How's the little baby doing.

 

[xena_00_uk]

How's the little baby doing.

Well she is still hanging on in there.
Went to have the water tested today and all the levels are now fine
Still a little cloudy though but it appears a little clearer. The friendly chap suggested I do a water change in a week and lay of the feeding. What do you reckon?
thanks

 

[WILDER]

I would feed but keep an eye on water stats, as he needs to build his strength up.

 

[xena_00_uk]

I would feed but keep an eye on water stats, as he needs to build his strength up.

ok I will try a lil feed shortly and see if she goes for it.

 

[WILDER]

Good luck.