Unusual Guppy Behaviour

[gforce17]

I have three male guppies in my 64l community tank. They are currently hovering at the surface of the water and not swimming around. All water parameters are fine. I did add three neon tetras earlier today to make 6 in all. Does this behaviour suggest a problem? Any advice received gratefully

 

[fluttermoth]

Can you post the exact numbers from your tests, please?

 

[the_lock_man]

It would also be good to know the tank dimensions, and whether the filter is fully matured.

 

[gforce17]

Here they are:

Ammonia .001
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 0
PH 0.63
Temp 74deg

Thanks

 

[ZoddyZod]

sitting at the surface could mean a lack of oxygen in the water. Is there a lot of water surface movement created by the filter?

 

[gforce17]

Yes. The external filter causes a ripple and I have an air block working as well.

The PH is 6.55 NOT 0.63!

 

[gforce17]

The filter has been fully mature for 2 months. Would other fish be hovering at the top if it was a lack of oxygen?

 

[ZoddyZod]

if you have good agitation at the surface, it's unlikely to be lack of oxygen.

Different fish can tolerate different oxygen levels. Some may react to a lact of it worse than others.

 

[gforce17]

The tank dimensions are 24ins longx12ins deepx15ins high. That makes the surface area 288 sq ins.

 

[snazy]

Is this the same tank with the low Ph of 6.5 from your other thread?
If yes, then what was usually the Ph before, or did you add anything to try to alter it since?

 

[gforce17]

Yes, the same one. I have been advised that his level will be ok and that I can cause more problems by trying to change it than leaving it alone. You may feel differently and I'd be interested in your view. The guppies seem to be a bit happier this morning so perhaps they were having a 'moment', but i'm still keeping an eye on them. Thanks.

 

[snazy]

Even though guppies prefer harder water, as long as your Ph is stable, you are better off not messing with it. I wouldn't think that the Ph on it's own, unless it's swinging, would cause them to stay at the surface.
Are there any other signs? Are the rest of the fish fine?
Maybe there is something in the water that doesn't agree with them.

 

[gforce17]

I will do a heavy water change tray and monitor their behaviour.

 

[snazy]

You know, just thinking of it now, you never replied to whether your Ph was always so low, or it dropped gradually from what it was?

If it has dropped, it may really mean low oxygen in the water and a ton of other issues causing it.