Water Poisoning

[jacy96]

Hi,

I am after some advice about the best way to tackle suspected water poisening.
My partner carried out a 20% water change today. in the normal method as we do once a week. After the water change a majority of the fish became lathargic, and their behaviour has worsened over the past few hours... We suspect the bucket normally ONLY used for water change may have contaminated with bleach from a floor cleaning product, although the bucket was thoroughly rinsed before hand we have no other explanation and want advise on the best course of action to take.

Tank details

70 litres
water changed today.
ph slightly low at just under 6
nitrite levels normal
tap water treatment used along with filter aid for water clarity

Current fish include
plattie
mollies
pleco
tiger barbs
neon tetras

Current behaviour includes:
one fish with poor balance.
a few fish dwelling at the surface, gasping.
two fish resting near the bottom
and generally lathargy.

 

[Blade118]

Sounds bad, My advise to you, would be :
Do a water change AsAP-50% now and then 2moz again 30%

Bleach will kill, meaning you have to get every little bit out

 

[jacy96]

Just to add a few more details.

nitrite levels at 0- 0.3mg

fish colours are mainly normal, one plattie sightly darker in colour.

i wanted to do another 50% water change but can't until the morning, as the bucket normal kept for the fish has been contaminated. i have some general tonic, but you need to remove the biological filter (juwel tank!) and as i fear it is ammonia poisoning possibly from floor cleaner (although can't test this at the moment) i don'w really want to remove the filter???

Any advice would be much appreciated as i don't want to lose any of my fish, or see them suffer!!!!!!!

 

[WILDER]

Another water change, add some new black carbon to the tank, and also some fresh filter floss. Plus increase aeration in the tank.

 

[Blade118]

What country are you from, Like i said i strongly advise a water change

 

[WILDER]

Use a big pan them, as you will have to change some more water.

 

[jacy96]

how would you recommend a water change without using the bucket? i have a water bottle 2 litres i guess i could use that and add it slowly? if i was to do that would i need to add tap safe into every bottle before i put it in or add it in as i have filled up the tank?


what about washing up liquid that the pan has been washed in?

 

[WILDER]

Just give the pan a rinse. Yes you will have to add declorinator to the water.

 

[jacy96]

In the UK. I'll try a 50% water change now using a pan, and then again tomorrow!

 

[TammyLiz]

Well, a new bucket is going to have to be on your shopping list. If you can't get one right away the water bottle will do.

Regular dish washing liquid is not so toxic as floor cleaner. Plus, a pan is not going to absorb it like a bucket would. It should rinse off.

EDIT: Looks like Wilder beat me to it. But why use a pan again tomorrow? Shouldn't you be able to get a new bucket by then?

 

[jacy96]

oh yes! currently using the pan for a 50% water change now, and then will get a new bucket for tomorrow! should i continue to do 50% change or reduce the amount changed over time?

 

[WILDER]

Reduce it, but go on the fish. I would add the filter floss and some new black carbon to remove the chemicals

 

[jacy96]

Ok thanks! unfortunately. One of the tetras has died already! Goes to show how quickly it can happen!
Many of the others are looking ok, it is generally the smallest ones that seem most affected! Hopefully it'll only be the one fatality! Thanks for everyones advice!

 

[WILDER]

When you have finished the water change i would increase aeration in the tank, what fish do you have in the tank.
Sorry just seen your stock list, was going to say add some salt but you have a pleco so no salt, it will burn and irratate his skin.

 

[Blade118]

"Poisoning
Many domestic chemicals, such as paint fumes and household cleaners, are highly toxic to fish. If your aquarium becomes contaminated with one of these it could potentially have fatal consequences. If an accident occurs you should re-house the fish while you thoroughly clean the tank"