New To This - Need Help With Water Quality

[Redcharlie]

Hello,

I'm very new to all this... I have a 56L tank, it's only been 2 and half weeks, day 17 in cycling, I think I overstocked it in the beginning so I've take back 2 gouramis and now the stocking levels seem fine for the size (1 angelfish, 1 pleco, 3 neon tetras, 6 platys - 3 of which are tiny babies). I may end up taking some of the platys out though...?

I've done two 25% water changes and my PH is 7.5 but nitrite levels are 4.0mg/I and I can't seem to get this down. I have been adding Filter Start every other day. I asked my local shop what to do and he said stop adding the filter start as this can sometimes make the nitrite levels excessive. Nitrate levels are difficult to read on the dipsticks I have but look about 160ppm (mg/L). I have an internal filetr.

All the fish seem fine (we had one fatality and 3 neons got eaten by gouramis) but now the pleco who I only got yesterday is very subdued at bottom of tank - not breathing much, not swimming and fins are clamped - no other visible signs on body of any diseases, all other fish OK. What should I do? Daily water changes? Add chemicals? Continue to add Filter Start or not? Remove the Pleco? please help! I don't want the fish to die...!

I've just been to check on the Pleco again after water change half hour ago and he's stuck back on side again - breathing a bit better. Should I just continue with the water changes to get my water quality back? If so how often and hw mcuh and what should I add apart from water treatment to remove chlorine etc?

Many Thanks!
Bemused of Dorset

 

[SJ2K]

Dear lord alot of people are going to have alot to say here

1) Those Nitrite levels are above toxic, actions needs to be taken now else all (not just the poor pleco) WILL die.

2)Dont rely on miracle potions to get your bacteria up, take the fish back untill your ready for them.

3)For now, do a massive water change, thats all you can really do to reduce nitrite, add nothing but dechlorinator.

 

[Redcharlie]

I feel awful! Nitrite levels were OK until about 10 days ago and since not been able to get them down, hence taking out gouramis. So you reckon I should relocate the fish till the tank is settled. How long do you think this will take? Do you suggest a 50% water change or more?

 

[SJ2K]

Ideally remove the fish, do a huge water change (just to clear out all the cack the other chemicals may of left and to give you a clean start). Then if you want to do whats best for the fish, continue with a Fishless Cycle

O and dont feel aweful we learn by our mistakes, no one will think badly of you for coming here and trying to find out what to do to help your fish!

Welcome Aboard

 

[Redcharlie]

Thanks so much.. I'll do that

 

[SJ2K]

No problem, keep us posted and Good Luck!

 

[**sarahp**]

Hi welcome aboard

I wont repeat what has already been said, all I will say is do water changes - and lots of them 4ppm of nitrIte is VERY toxic. I would suggest 25% twice or even three times a day to get those levels under control.

Also have a read of THIS and if you have any more questions come back here and ask away - there is nearly always someone here to help.

 

[Redcharlie]

Thank you that was a really helpful article. I would like to find someone in Dorset with some mature filter media - any suggestions?

 

[**sarahp**]

Yeah me!!!!!

Your group is showing as validating - you need to follow a link from an email that was sent to you when you joined - do youhave it?? If not RDD knows where the link is hold on I'll ask - dont think you cam pm without it and we need to pm cos I'm not giving out my address on a public forum!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

right click THIS and enter your user name then you should get the email again.

 

[Redcharlie]

Great, I tried validation again, hopefully you should be able to message me now. If not you can get me at charlie_bulloch@hotmail.com

Many Thanks.