Help With Tank Urgent

[ric1984]

Hi All

I have been having issues with my tank. I have my water tested regularly at the LFS but dont have the readings they let me know if i need to do anything.

Recently the fish look very short of breathe and are swimming very high. I have done water changes for last two days and cleaned filter sponges in the old tank water and thought it had done the trick but all back the same tonight.

I also had an issue with the fan on my filter but this is now sorted as well....i am now stumped please help before I get some casualties

 

[Bugsvile]

Hey ric,

Do you not have your own test kit at all? not even anything that came with your tank? You should get yourself one which will help you to first of all find out what your water condition is and secondly give you an idea as to what may be wrong with your fish.

I am still new to this all myself but i have found that having a test kit is essential.

I know its not answering your question but it is esential that you get a kit asap. The guys with the real answers will reply soon....just hold on.

 

[joel.uejio]

Agree that doing your own testing with a quality kit is crucial. Also what is the tank size? stocking? filter?

From what I understand gasping fish can be caused by ammonia, nitrites, or maybe insufficiently oxygenated water.

 

[ric1984]

Agree that doing your own testing with a quality kit is crucial. Also what is the tank size? stocking? filter?

From what I understand gasping fish can be caused by ammonia, nitrites, or maybe insufficiently oxygenated water.

Rekord 120

3 Golden Barbs
1 Tiger Barb
4 Neons
1 Ghost Knife
1 Clown Plec
1 Loach
2 Albino Cat fish
2 Angel Fish

 

[joel.uejio]

That looks like a lot of bioload for your tank. I would suggesting adding more filtration -- maybe a good hob filter that creates a lot of surface agitation.

Long term, I think you may need a bigger tank.

Good luck with everything!

 

[arobinson1984]

How long has the tank been running?

Gasping at the surface usually either means that your water surface isnt getting enough agitation for sufficient gas exchange or that ammonia is present in the tank.

You really need your own liquid based test kit, dont rely on your fish store, they will tell you anything to get you to buy fish / medication / other chemicals.

On snother note, your tank is overstocked and you have a few fish in there that are not suitable for that tank size

The angels will grow too big and need a tank that is at least 18" tall after accounting for your gravel / sand

The black ghost knife fish will grow WAY WAY too big for the tank and it needs at least a 400L tank as they often reach anywhere between 18-24" long.

What type of loach is it?

Andy