Guppy Babies: Help!

[Guppy Mama]

Hello. I recently got 5 guppies that lived in a 10 gallon tank. I had the tank up and running before I bought fish (well h20), but I bought fish that already had velevt!!!


I got excellent advice and have followed it:
a) added a tsp of salt per galon
B) raised temp
c) darkened tank
d) very clean h20
e) medication

Well, I was warned that once the fish were as sick as mine were that turning them around was more the exception than the rule. It has been a week.
Results: 4 adults dead....1 male left and he seems absolutely fine now (maybe lonely ).

Before the females died, one had babies. I managed to find 11 and they are in a net in the same tank as the surviving male.

They are a week old, and I don't think they are sick (I hope).


How long do I leave them in their seperate net?

How long do I medicate and keep the tank dim and warmer?

I would hate to stop to early and let the velvet get these guys, too. Then again, I don't think a long time on meds is good.
Yikes, thank you so much for any help.

 

[William]

Hi, I think the main problem you have is that your tank is cycling please read this excellent post by alien anna: http/fish.orbust.net/forums/index.php?sh...showtopic=10099

You may also wish to read this post: http/fish.orbust.net/forums/index.php?sh...showtopic=10266 on fish diseases, good luck and I hope your fish's fortunes improve soon!

 

[Guppy Mama]

Wow, news to me! It says, " In order to cycle a tank using ammonia, start everything up and add some gravel from an established tank or a few potted plants (their roots contain all of the necessary bacteria, and the plants themselves do not seem to be harmed by this process). "

How much gravel from an established tank?

Potted plants...do you rinse the roots of all soil and then use them?

Thank you so much for the information.

 

[Guppy Mama]

OOps, I forgot, how often should water changes be then, after a tank is fully cycled?

Why don't the stores tell you this? So you kill and buy more fish?

 

[MountGuppy]

i would advise you to get a small tank becuase the guppies will need room to grow and if there is 11 that definitily wont be enough room.

 

[Guppy Mama]

I reread the cycling article...DUh. AQUATIC plants.

 

[William]

OOps, I forgot, how often should water changes be then, after a tank is fully cycled?

Why don't the stores tell you this? So you kill and buy more fish?

After a tank is fully cycled maybe 10% water change a week, 20% a fortnight, it depends on the quality of water you replace the water in the tank with, if it has really low nitrAtes say 10 or less then you may get away with even fewer water changes.

A gravel vacuum is a very good buy, buy one which you have to manually do, getting fish water in your mouth is nasty!! so take care but the electric ones in my experience don't work too well.


As for why they don't tell you? Well theres no law saying they have to and so as you say, some are in it for the money Keep the treatment on for as long as neccessary, usually for several days even after the symptoms have disappeared.

I may have missed a question if so please post again, good luck with the babies and buy some Ammonia and nitrIte test kits.

 

[Guppy Mama]

I am happy to report that he remaining male guppy is completely healthy and probably only suffers from lonliness, now!

I got a complete test kit and have been checking amonia and nitrite levels. He finally swims around normally and eats again. Physically, he looks as good as ever. This was one strong fish...he's earned being spoiled the rest of his days!

All the babies are still alive and doing great, as well. Phew...what a relief. I thought the entire tank was doomed. Thank you to everyone that helped me, and informed me about cycling your tank.

Now...if you'll excuse me, I have amonia levels to check

 

[colin5861]

Hope all goes well now Mama. There are toofew of us Guppy people around.