Female Guppy Hiding

[MelissaE]

Beginner fish person here.
I have a female guppy hiding behind my filter at top of water.
New 30 gallon tank...I used Quick Start and AuquaSafe in the water when first put in tank and let it cycle for 2 weeks before putting fish in.
Tested water before putting in fish and had ph 8.0, ammonia was 0, nitrite was 0, and nitrate was 5.
So put in 4 female guppies, 2 male guppies, 3 mollies, 1 algae eater.
After 3 days we noticed we had 3 babies, we think Mollies...they are almost black in color.
Now after 5 days I have a female guppy hiding either in a corner or behind the filter at times. I don’t think she is pregnant. I have another one that I believe is. I tested the water just now and it is ph 8.0, ammonia has risen to 1.0, Nitrite has risen to .25, and nitrate is still 0.
I was planning on doing weekly water changes of around 25% starting tomorrow.
What do I need to do? Is it most likely stress due to the ammonia?

 

[FishGuest5123]

Sounds like Tank went back into a mini cycle. Do a 75% water change and use Seachem Prime to protect against ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate toxicity while the cycle straightens out. The Prime will only protect for 24 hours so you’ll have to dose daily. Keep testing the water. If nitrites and ammonia get too high, do another water change. Otherwise give it a chance to re-cycle. Hopefully it won’t take too long since you already have some nitrates. Next time, add only a few fish at a time over a period of a couple weeks. You’ll be fine. Good luck! Keep us posted.

 

[PheonixKingZ]

Hello, and welcome to the forum!

I suggest you dose some prime to the tank. I belive it only works for 24 hours. Is that right @Deanause? I have not used it a long time, so I don’t remember!

Keep testing your water, and keep us posted, good luck!

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[MelissaE]

Sounds like Tank went back into a mini cycle. Do a 75% water change and use Seachem Prime to protect against ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate toxicity while the cycle straightens out. The Prime will only protect for 24 hours so you’ll have to dose daily. Keep testing the water. If nitrites and ammonia get too high, do another water change. Otherwise give it a chance to re-cycle. Hopefully it won’t take too long since you already have some nitrates. Next time, add only a few fish at a time over a period of a couple weeks. You’ll be fine. Good luck! Keep us posted.

So when doing a 75% water change do I remove 75% first then put new treated water back in or do I take out a bucket add a bucket then take out another bucket and add another bucket, etc? I’m assuming the first is correct.

 

[PheonixKingZ]

Yes, the first is correct.

Do you have a Gravel Vacuum? If you do, then unplug your filter, and take out 75% of the water useing the gravel vacuum. Then add in 75% more water, to the tank. Good luck!

 

[MelissaE]

Yes, the first is correct.

Do you have a Gravel Vacuum? If you do, then unplug your filter, and take out 75% of the water useing the gravel vacuum. Then add in 75% more water, to the tank. Good luck!

Yes I do have a gravel vacuum. Thank you

 

[PheonixKingZ]

Your welcome, and good luck!