Please Help?

[Fritz]

hey i am new to this site and new to tropical fish. In the last half hour my fish, all 16 of them are at the top of the tank , at water level. it is very strange. any ideas why they are doin this?? it looks like they tryin to get air or something! 1 darf gourami, 3 Bala sharks, a common pleco(he is ok tho), 3 platy's, 1 swordtail, and the rest are neons.

 

[WILDER]

Immediate water change, how long has the tank been set up, water stats in ammonia,nitrite,nitrate,and ph, size of tank in gallons or litres, and are you running an airstone.

 

[tttnjfttt]

Also, when you set up the tank, did you use dechlorinator?

 

[Fritz]

Also, when you set up the tank, did you use dechlorinator?

what would you think is causing the problem??

 

[ncjharris]

It could be anything from lack of oxygen in the water, to ammonia poisoning to something in the water that shouldn't be there.
Will need more info to be presise.

 

[WILDER]

Guessing it's a new set up and the tank is cycling, for us to give you the right advice we need info, on when did you set the tank up, plus size of tank, and water stats if you have them.

 

[Fritz]

if there is a lack of oxygen how do i fix it? the tank is a week old. We used dechlorinater when setting it up!

 

[WILDER]

The reason why they are gasping is that you have added far to many fish, you should only start a tank of with a few hardy fish, i would do an immediate water change, add an airstone, how many gallons is the tank, and what filter are you using.

Not the writer of this information below.
Ammonia Poisoning



Symptoms:

The fish will hang just under the surface with labored breathing. Its gills will appear to be lilac in color. Red streaking may be seen throughout the body and fins. Fishes with ammonia poisoning will become lethargic and eventually die, maintaining their full coloring. The ammonia will damage their skin, gills, nerves and internal organs. The red streaking is due to hemorrhages (internal and external bleeding). Its mucous membranes of the skin and intestine are also destroyed. Damage also occurs to the brain and central nervous system.



Cause:

Abnormally high levels of ammonia.



Treatment:

Test the water to confirm the disease. If ammonia levels are high, perform an immediate water change. It’s also a good idea to use a chemical that will remove the ammonia. Activated carbon, Ammo-Lock, or Tetra Easy Balance.






The reason why they are gasping is that you have added far to many fish, you should only start a tank of with a few hardy fish, i would do an immediate water change, add an airstone, how many gallons is the tank, and what filter are you using.

http/www.thetropicaltank.co.uk/cycling2.htm

http/www.thetropicaltank.co.uk/cycling.htm

 

[Durbkat]

Why do you keep avoiding our questions about what size tank it is, are you scared that we will get mad at you or something? If so don't be afraid, tell us.

 

[tttnjfttt]

Like Durbkat said, we asked specific questions because those will help us diagnose the problem. If you don't understand something we are asking for, please ask and we wil help you figure it out. The info we asked for was key info.

Judging by the fact the tank is a week old and has seveal fish in it, i would go with ammonia poisioning, which Wilder posted an article about.