High NitrAte Levels , Fast Breathing, Please Help!

[seanus]

Thanks, black angel (and all others for previous responses).

Some are saying use chemicals & others say it's better not to. Should I be adding straight tap water or add the two drops of Prime to each gallon? (It says it removes Chlorine, Chloramine, Ammonia, detoxifies Nitrate & Nitrite, and provides Slime Coat...)

Thank you!

 

[black angel]

I would just use the dechlorinator and nothing else just now.

 

[seanus]

Sounds good. I have been reading a lot on this forum and on other sites. The link below says it's best not to change more than 15% of the water as it won't help bacteria production and can stress fish.

http/www.ratemyfishtank.com/article2.php...80067d3278d692a

Is changing more than 20% of the water each day hard on the fish?

Am I effectively cycling the tank with the fish in it & isn't that harmful? I know it may be the best option, though...

What is the best way to prevent from cycling when you have to change filters due to clogging & old carbon?

Thanks

 

[rdd1952]

Some are saying use chemicals & others say it's better not to. Should I be adding straight tap water or add the two drops of Prime to each gallon? (It says it removes Chlorine, Chloramine, Ammonia, detoxifies Nitrate & Nitrite, and provides Slime Coat...)

Under the circumstances, I would agree with going with larger water changes. It sounds like you may lose everything. Hopefully, not but it soesn't sound good. As for the Prime, if it is also a dechlorinator, then by all means use it. You definitely need something to kill the chrlorine (unless you have well water that is chlorine free) and it probably can't hurt right now. As a generaly rule though I don't believe in chemicals. I currently have 3 tanks with fish, and have only lost 2 otos (who knows what makes them die) and one cory (I think I accidentally hit him with the vacuum while doing a water change) and I have never used any chemicals other than dechlorinator and fertilizer for my plants. Once you get the tank fully cycled, everything is a breeze as long as you do regular water changes and don't overstock. Good luck.

 

[black angel]

I would also agree with the above and stay away from too many chemicals. Your priority is keeping the fish in good clean water and as long as you keep testing your water regularly then your filter should be ok. If you are worried about the large percentage of changes then do 50% for two days then 30% for a week and see if your parameters and fish are looking good.

 

[seanus]

Will do.

Thanks again black_angel and rdd1952. I really appreciate it

On a positive note, the gasping has stopped and everyone is swimming and eating! Good stuff