New Aquarium, But A Ill Looking Molly

[Reece]

Firstly, I now know it's recommended to fishless cycle a tank, but more fool me I took the LFS advice rather than doing my own research.

So onto the problem. Bought a interpret 64l tank 2weeks ago got it all up and running using the included interpret filter start solution. Yesterday went and bought two platys and one black molly.

All going ok. Slowly introduced them into the tank getting temp up and slowly mixing tank water into the bag for 30mins. They seemed to respond very well and first feed last night went well with them eating all the food, they were fed a very small pinch of flake.

However this morning the molly was ok, but now seems to be just laying on the gravel in bottom corner of the tank. Does have a slight white tinge to lower fins.

Looking on the net it looks as though adding freshwater salt to the aquarium may help as they like more brackish water?

Also to add all tests came back ok. Ammonia test came back ok, colour somewhere between 0ppm to 0.25ppm according to the included card colour scale.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Harlequins]

Welcome

Firstly have a read in the beginners section regarding cycling and fish in cycle which you are now in,Mollies can live in freshwater tanks quite happily.

Your ammonia needs to be at zero to be ok,do a 50% waterchange using dechlorinator this will help your fish,basically any ammonia or nitrite in the water will poison your fish...

Whats your reading for Nitrite?

The whiteness on the molly could be due to poor water quality or possibly fin-rot,waterchanges will help this if caught early enough.

Feed very minimal and test for ammonia & nitrite daily and do w/c has necessary,anything over 0.25ppm is lethal to fish,but i think its better keeping it has near or at zero has much has you can,

Good luck

 

[fluttermoth]

I'd do a water change any time you see any trace of ammonia at all; even the tiniest amount can affect the fish's ability to obtain oxyegen from the water and make them feel sick.

 

[Reece]

Nitrite reading 1mg/l which is ok isn't it? Nitrate reading is 25mg/l.

 

[coldcazzie]

no. It's not ok. Anything that is not 0 for ammonia and nitrite is bad. Please do an immediate water change of at least 85% to get rid of that nitrite reading! Then test again and post the results back up

 

[Reece]

Quick update. Had to nip out after last post. Came back to do a 75-80% water change. When I looked at the tank the Molly was as right as rain. Still did the water change however and will be carrying out a test in when I get 2 minutes after dinner and post up the results.

Thanks for the advice so far peeps!