AboutLynda Expertise I can help you with cichlids, african cichlids, betta fish. I have bred most of them, including the Discus, and Angel Fish, and Rams. I have also bred many african cichlids. I have bred bettas too...well I am a fish nut! I can help you with most diseases, and have experience in setting up a tank. I can tell you tricks on keeping your water alkaline without products. I also speak and write french. I have experience with salt water fish, but would rather not get into that field.
Please when writing to me, give me detailed information. The size of your tank, your water chemistry, etc. The more I know, the more I can help you. I cannot guess at what you have, so please give me information and I will do my outmost to help you with any question you ask me.
Please do not ask me questions on Goldfish, mollies, platies, and guppies. Lynda
Experience I have worked in Petshops in the fish department...was Manager in two...and alot of my experience came from my home where I had 26 aquariums from 20 gallons to 200 gallons.
Publications I have a MSN group but it has nothing to do with fish
Education/Credentials I have finished high school, and went to college, in accounting
Question I just started a new tank. I washed the gravel and the plant and log. I may not have washed the log well enough as it still floated when I put it in the tank. The fish in it are living but the tank is very murky. It is a brownish tinge. I am wondering if there is an additive needed or if I should slowly change the water. The tank has only been going for 5 days and the murkiness came the next day after setting it up. Thank you
Answer Hi Graydon,
There are two things that I like to mention. The first is that your tank hasn't had enough time to cycle. A tank must cycle first, with no fish in it for two or three weeks. You must have good chemistry before you put fish in it. This means that your ammonia level must be zero, your nitrite level must be zero, and your nitrates must be low. Once you reach good water conditions, then you add fish slowly. Depending on the size of your tank, you add one or two fish, wait one week, and check you levels again. If your chemistry is right, then you add one or two more fish, and so on. Adding fish without the right chemistry will cause death. You can buy these small test kits at your Pet Store of Walmart.
Your log must be kept in aquarium salt water for about a week in a pail, or some container so that you remove most of the tint. It takes a long time for a log to sink. Do not worry about it sinking. Add rocks to the base to keep it in place.
I would bring the fish back to the pet store, change all the water, change the carbon, and let it run on it's own until your chemistry is right.
I hope this helps.
Lynda
