Fish Acting Strange! Help!

[shi24137]

ph 7.8
ammonia .25ppm
nitrate 20ppm
nitrite 0ppm
So I'm guessing a water change is in order???

 

[XeroTolerance]

Yep! Also try and cut down on feeding.

 

[shi24137]

So I'm guessing that's what the problem is?

 

[XeroTolerance]

Yes. Your fish sound like they are suffering from ammonia poisoning.

 

[shi24137]

So since my tank is 60gallons I did a little over 50% water change, things seem a little better, I retested and here are my results...
PH 7.4
Ammonia 0ppm
Nitrite 0ppm
Nitrate 10ppm
Should I do another 25% water change to get the nitrates down?
Oh and should I add a little aquarium salt?

 

[XeroTolerance]

The Nitrates are good where they are. I don't know why you would add salt unless your fish seem to have a disease.

 

[shi24137]

not sure, heard that salt helps perk them up when they are feeling bad, sorry, was stupid of me

 

[XeroTolerance]

No problem .

 

[shi24137]

OMG, so I wake up this morning and check on my tank to see how my fish are doing and it's CLOUDY!!! I mean it looks like a rain forest in there! two of my mollies do not like it and are looking like they are about to die! Just floating around every which way, so naturally I tested the water and this is what I got...

PH 7.6
Ammonia 0ppm
Nitrite 0ppm
Nitrate 10ppm

IDK what is going on now, I guess I should put some of the cloud clear stuff in there and see if that helps, but IDK what is wrong with my mollies...

 

[XeroTolerance]

Looking at your past records it seems like your pH is fluctuating a little. That could be the problem.

 

[colleen0309]

Are you sure your tests aren't expired for ammonia and nitrite? It does sound like an ammonia problem. That would explain the cloudy water. I'd do a few more big water changes.

 

[shi24137]

I haven't seen any expiration date on any of the bottles or the book that came with it, I got it from petsmart and the PH changed bc I put some easy balance+ in to maintain the PH that my fish like. Right now it looks like my fish have a bad smoking habit...How can i get this cleared?

 

[Prime Ordeal]

Hi shi24137,

You're simply adding too much unnecessary stuff to your water and that's what's causing the problems. First you added water clear and now you're adding easy balance+ which is the cause of the cloudy water. You best move right now would be to do a massive water change and ONLY add dechlorinator (if your water needs it) and NOTHING else. I think you'll see an immediate improvement, although it does depend on your source water parameters. Given the situation you're in I would still go for the large water change though.

It would be helpful to have readings from your source water but after it has been left to sit for 24 hours (or just a few hours if you put a air stone in it).

 

[XeroTolerance]

^ +1

 

[shi24137]

Ok, I'll do a 50% change again and only add dechlorinator and see if that helps but I'm not sure it will bc I have well water, the only fish that are not happy are the mollies, would having plants effect the water quality? this is my first time having live plants, I will also test my water and post the stats. Give me a few minutes...and THANK YOU so much for the advice, I really appreciate it!