Does This Look Like Fin Rot?

[ibbledibble]

that is pretty strange. what type of test kit do you have? the strips are notoriously unreliable, and i think they can go a bit dodgy if they are really old too? maybe try taking a sample of the water to your LFS to see what readings they get? what size tank is it? and whats in it apart from him and the shrimps?

 

[stang1]

A couple of our tanks have had no readings for nitrite or ammonia for the first couple of days, so I can see why you thought it would be fine. It generally takes 7-14 days for a tank to cycle although some do take a bit longer.
If you move Murphy out and put some mature media from your other tank into the smaller filter, then it should be safe to put him back in his tank within a couple of days.

 

[Jaiden]

It's a 5 gal tank. I've got gravel on the bottom, a clump of Java Moss with a stone holding it down and the filter and heater.

The kit I have is API Ammonia NH3/NH4 test kit. It's the drops you put in a little test tub type thing. My ph tester is the same.

 

[Jaiden]

Well, I did a 75% water change today and used a different brand of conditioner (thought maybe that was the problem) and the levels have dropped to almost 0.

But the stupid fish went and got himself stuck to the filter intake and tore his fin And no, it's not a strong suction...he's perfectly capable of swimming directly in front of it without getting stuck...

 

[Jaiden]

Murphy surprised me with a bubble nest yesterday I'm assuming that means he's happy??

I've been checking all of his tanks levels twice a day and they've been perfect. He's got some Java Moss and a Hygrophila Polysperma that he loves to sleep in lol I'm so happy that he's so happy in his tank! And other than his torn fin, he seems to be healthy SOOO much different than the lethargic, white little guy I brought home...