	AllExperts > Freshwater Aquarium
	Search

About Nathan
Expertise
I can answer all questions related to freshwater aquariums. If I am not available because I am maxed out, you can find me on the Aquarium Plants category. Fish care, fish behavior, feeding, breeding, and diseases are my specialty. To be specific, I am most familiar (though I am familiar with most species) with Livebearers, Tetras, Barbs, Danios, Loaches, Goldfish, Angelfish (freshwater), Catfish (corydoras, plecos, etc.), Bettas, shrimp, and even snails. I can help out with new tank setups, the cycling process (nitrogen cycle), acclimation of fish, and general care. I can also answer questions regarding many species of freshwater plants, including fish compatibility with plants. Additionally, I can lend a hand when it comes to aquarium support equipment questions, such as those regarding filters, heaters, lighting, and thermometers. Questions about aquarium water conditioners and products are also accepted. I will try to answer your question to the best of my abilities, and if I do not know an answer, I will do my best to find out. I do not have much experience in saltwater aquariums, or pressurized CO2 systems, so I cannot answer any such questions. Best wishes, and good luck to your fish!

Experience
I have kept freshwater fish tanks for many years, and I am experienced with a variety of different freshwater species and invertebrates, such as Tetras, Barbs, Loaches, Danios, Livebearers, Cichlids, Goldfish, Bettas, Catfish, Shrimp, and Snails. I have helped people set up aquariums, and I am very familiar with aquarium products and equipment. I have also bred many fish, and I always care for my fish in the best way possible. What makes a good home for tropical fish? Well, all tropical fish, like guppies and Bettas, require filters, heaters, and a good-sized tank. Healthy fish should be actively swimming and feeding, with defined fins and clear eyes. Take a random check of some of your fish daily, to make sure they're thriving!

Education/Credentials
I own an extensive collection of aquarium-related books and magazines, and have read all about, and I am experienced in, many aspects of humane and proper fishkeeping. Through these books and other articles, from reliable internet sources, and from personal experience with fish, I have a thorough knowledge of freshwater aquariums, fish, and freshwater plant species.

You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Pet Fish > Freshwater Aquarium > Cycling

Freshwater Aquarium - Cycling

Expert: Nathan - 11/4/2009

Question
Hi there!
I have a 75 litre (no clue about gallons!) fresh water tank. I have a heater(set at 26C). Not sure of the filter type but it has bio balls, bio rings, carbon, and filter wool and the water is returned to the tank from the top creating a lot of surface movement and airation. I have a sand and gravel mixed base, 2-3cm deep and some decorations. No living plants. The water smells clean, and there is no cloudiness or algae.

I have had one molly (pregnant and ready to burst) in the tank for a while (3weeks?), but noticed she was extremely unhappy by herself, often hiding a lot. The tank had been fully cycled (I cheated using stress zyme and gravel from another tank) and I had reading of 7.6ph, 0 ammonia, 0nitrite and 8nitrate. I decided to buy a few fish to keep her company, thinking that maybe tetras would be a good way to start it off. Well... OK I know I brought in too many fish too soon. I ended up being unable to resist buying 2 baby guppies and 1mumma guppy and a baby mollie. They're just bigger than neon tetras (cept the mumma who is a chubby little lady) and my mumma mollie is oh... maybe 5 times their size? She's big :).

Because of the sudden increase, I believe my tank has started re-cycling. I noticed from my fish breathing at the surface so checked the readings. Yesterday my readings were 7.5ph, 0ammonia, 1.5nitrite but as I had run out of the nitrate test, I don't know what it was (yes I use liquid testing). I initially added salt then started on 50% water changes every 3hours until the nitrite was below 0.25. This morning my fish were breathing at the top again, however my readings were the same, with nitrite showing as 0.
I went to the pet store, got another nitrate test and begged some bacteria from them to try boost my cycling :)

Now my PH is back to 7.6, but everything else is 0 and the fish are still breathing at the surface, despite two 50% changes today and the addition of an air stone (which doesn't appear to be giving much air either).

So what is wrong? I know that ammonia and nitrite can burn the gills, but I really did get onto it fast. If they are burnt, will they heal? With every water change I use API stress coat and a little bit of salt, but they only swim around normally for about an hour before all heading to the top. I've cut back a lot on their feeding too, and have fed them peas this morning instead of flakes. Their gills haven't changed colour, and they still look healthy and are fairly active.

Is there anything more I can do, and is what I have done right so far?

Any help is most appreciated :)
Thanks,
Rach

Answer
Hi Rachel,

Congratulations on getting the ammonia and nitrite under control! You did everything right!
Ammonia and nitrite CAN cause short-term damage to the gills, which can result in labored breathing for a few days. They WILL recover, especially if you aerate the water (with a strong air pump and air stone), and if you perform a partial water change (10%) every day, adding lots of water conditioner because it promotes slime coat regeneration and reduces fish stress.

Did you say you have tetras? You said that you thought tetras would be a good idea, then you picked up a "Momma Guppy and 2 Baby Guppies and a Baby Molly). Did you add Tetras as well/ If you did, stop using the salt. Tetras are stressed by salt, and will not tolerate it. Just a quick hint.
Mollies don't really need salt. Aquarium salt does not have much purpose except for reducing the toxcidity of nitrite.

Just try the water changes, water conditioner, and perhaps get a better air pump. Keep up the good work! It's only a matter of time before recovery.

Good Luck, and Happy Fishkeeping!

Add to this Answer Ask a Question