New Tank - Have I Done Something Wrong?

[werdnags]

As a newbie to tropical fish I have researched the topic and felt I was ready to get my first tank. Basically, I bought this tank link: [URL="http/www.rocketaquatics.co.uk/bfrf777-be...avel-p-867.html"]http/www.rocketaquatics.co.uk/bfrf777-be...avel-p-867.html[/URL]

I set the tank up and checked all temps etc. After 5 days I bought 4 mollys and an angel fish. I put the fish in yesterday and all was fine but today the fish have started darting about the top of the water and the water has turned cloudy (it looks smokey looking). I put in some water safe guard as per the guidlines. The water is 26 degress. I have 1 plastic plant 2 cermaic ornaments and 2 small ferns. I have a 3 stage filter.

I am worried I have done something wrong and the fish are in distress.

Can anyone help me to sort this or is this normal for a new tank.

Thanks in advance.

 

[TarkMalbot]

You need to be looking into tank cycling. As in the build up of bacteria to combat the Ammonia and Nitrites produced by the fish. I am sure someone else will tell you all about it pretty soon.

Also you have PH to think about. The cloudy water is what happened to me when I first set up. it shoudl get clearer as the tank cycles. I wouldn't bother with any Addatives as that is only masking a problem.

Try and read up about the best way to do a cycle with fish. Or borrow some filter media, gravel or something from an established tank.

 

[werdnags]

You need to be looking into tank cycling. As in the build up of bacteria to combat the Ammonia and Nitrites produced by the fish. I am sure someone else will tell you all about it pretty soon.

Also you have PH to think about. The cloudy water is what happened to me when I first set up. it shoudl get clearer as the tank cycles. I wouldn't bother with any Addatives as that is only masking a problem.

Try and read up about the best way to do a cycle with fish. Or borrow some filter media, gravel or something from an established tank.

Thanks for your reply. Do you recommend me taking 25% of the water out and replacing it for the moment until I get more knowledge?

 

[Ian H]

i would reccomend you give the fish back to where you bought them from an look up fishless cycling. If you wont do that then i suggest you do a 75% water change now and then do daily 25% water changes.

Although saying that i'm not 100% sure on how to do a fish in cycle

 

[Tolak]

For a traditional cycle with fish you start with 1" of hardy slim bodied fish for every 5 gallons of tank water. Angels are not hardy, you have 3 too many mollys to do a traditional cycle.

Ian is right, return the fish. Here's a link for some cycling info; http/www.fishforums.net/content/Tropical...esource-Center/

 

[Luketendo]

Obviously you haven't cycled, which is something you should look up.

I suppose you have a freshwater test kit? If you haven't, get one.

Your stocking is probably ok, the cloudiness could well be a bacterial bloom, which is a sign of cycling.

 

[werdnags]

Thanks guys, I have done a 50% water replacement and the difference in the fish was instant.

I am raging I was not told about 'cycling', I intend to pay the shop a visit and confront them about this lack of information.

You have probably saved these fish due to my ignorance, I will research cycling and make sure I recover from the situation.

Thanks again for all you advice.

 

[PlecMama]

No one ever tells you about cycling. I'd have fish for years before I even heard of it. Good luck with this, and future tanks