Aboutmichael mccorry Expertise I can answer questions concerning tanks, setup, display, maintence,filters, heaters, substrates, CO2 Systems, lighting, arrangements.
Also water quality, chemical makeup and altering water parameters.
I can advise on fish selection, how to arrange the tank to minimize aggression, water parameters for specific fish, breeding and raisning fry.
Feeding and nutrition.
Lighting both flourescent and metal halide and everything in between
Plants, selection, lighting and feeding requirements, CO2 Systems, and substrate selection as well as what plants will work with what fish.
Heating, and cooling the tank. Automating certain functions and what maintenence is necesssary to keep things looking good.
Fish diseases their diagnosis and treatment.
As well as other topics related to the hobby.
Experience I have been involved in Tropical Fish for over 30 years having bred or kept most everything that was out there at one time or annother.
I have worked in several shops and managed several more, I have owned my own shop for over 12 years and currently maintain more than 3000gals of fresh water and saltwater fish, plants and invertabrates.
I service tanks and respond to emergency calls.
I advise on design, placement and impact of displays and custom design and install whatever the client wishes.
I had a business within a business servicing systems for Dr;s,Offices, Restaurants, Hospitals, and private individuals.
Publications TFH
FAMA
American Cichlid Association
Education/Credentials I attended Clinton Comm. College and then went to work for the State of New York.
I also recieved training in the unrelated field of Law Enforcement.
I am a certified fish specialist both fresh and saltwater having attended seminars at the Backer Trade Shows in Atlantic City sanctioned by PPAC.
Awards and Honors I have won awards from the New York State Dept of Education and from the Govenors Office for Business of the Year in the Northern Tier.
I work as a consultant with the State assisting people who are starting a business.
Question Help! My tank is cloudy and I'm losing fish. I have a 2o extra high tank with only 10 fish. 1 pleco,1 cori, 1 platti, 1 flying fox,and some tetras. I have an eclipse 1 system with a bio wheel. My gravel is about 2" deep. The tank is 6 months old and completed it's cycle months ago. My water tests perfect except sometimes my PH dips to 6.8. The temp is at 78. I feed my fish very little every other day at the most. A tiny bit of flakes, 2 shrimp pellets and an occasional algae pellet. I used to do a small water change every week or so but my tank was cloudy and my local store told me to try doing changes every 3-4 weeks, still cloudy. When I change the water I put in Cycle and Prime and a tiny bit of aquarium salt. I've tried acurel-F and an algae remover, nothing. I put in a poly filer bag, nothing. Not only is my tank constantly cloudy but starting back in the middle of August I've lost a total of 21 fish. Most of the fish lost were balloon molly's, platty's,and cori's. According to my local store I'm doing everything right. This tank belongs to my 5 year old. He names his fish and is crushed every time we lose one. I'm at a complete loss. PLEASE HELP
Answer Heather,
sounds like you have enough trouble with this tank,
frankly I would start the whole tank over at this point.
also, algae remover will compromise the bio-filter as it is copper based and the only way to get rid of it is dilute it.
by starting it over I mean, drain it to the gravel, after you have stirred it and cleaned it, you do not have to remove it from the tank, a gravel vac will work fine here.
have the new water on hand and ready , put nothing in the water.
watch feeding amounts and don;t add any fish untill the tank stablizes.
when doing water changes do not change all the filter media at the same time.
you may want to check the water at the tap for nitrates, ph, heavy metals...
I suggest this because everything else at this point has not worked, so we are at a place of desperate times call for desperate measures.
if this does not solve the trouble then a complete tear down, sterilize and reset is in order.
let me know the outcome.
