Just from experience..

[Fish_n_Frys]

Hi,

Around 2 weeks ago I lost 4 neon tetras.. I didn't know why as I am a first time fish keeper. I did a half tank water change and the fish started 2 look up...

The next day I looked at the tank and saw all my 2 Guppies n fry and mollies all breathing at the surface of the water. I started 2 panic something was really wrong.

I was going on holiday the next day so there was nothing i could do. I came back after a week and I hadn't lost any fish but I was in the same situation and the fish seemed lathargic.. Eg: being lazy. My dad had the fab idea that it was the filter n pump. He put his finger to it and there was barely any flow! My fish had been starved of oxygen, the water was becoming stale.

Yesterday I went to the petstore and I bought a new pump. I put it in today and I cleared out my tank. Now it looks fabulous and my fish are moving everywhere in the tank. They are chasing each other (as fish do) which is a good sign and the Fry just love the flow that the pump gives out ... Its looks like they surf though the water!

So from experience, If you ever find your fish on the top of the water. Its all to do with the water quality, and its usually the oxygen. I would check the water filter and if its not that it might be that your cleaning the tank to much and your tank is loosing all the good bacteria that it needs in there. But mainly if your tank looses a good pump the water will turn stale. I know alot of you will already know this.. but i didn't and I just thought i should write about it just incase it happens to you. I wish u guys all the best of luck with your tanks and Please leave a message here I would like to hear what you guys think and see if this has happened to you

Missy xxx

 

[shuhu]

its great you manage to find out what was going on, just remember that an increase in temp can also lead to less oxigen in the water.

 

[Fish_n_Frys]

its great you manage to find out what was going on, just remember that an increase in temp can also lead to less oxigen in the water.

[snapback]855848[/snapback]​

Hiya,
I guess that does make sense.. Thx for the info lol.. it will come in handy!

Missy xxx

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

If you bought a brand new filter and sponge, it means your tank is going to cycle in which case it is vital you buy a test kit for ammonia, nitrates and nitrite and test the water ASAP. How many gallons does your tank hold? If your tank was quite new and the filter wasn't working properly it means its time for a clean out and you should just roughly wash the filter sponge out in water from water changes(not tap water) just removing the gunky bits but not cleaning the filter sparkling clean.
You should be able to take you filter apart to a certain extent and its not uncommon for gunk to start building up around the motor/propeller and slow it down so you should make sure this is not happening in your filter.

 

[Fish_n_Frys]

If you bought a brand new filter and sponge, it means your tank is going to cycle in which case it is vital you buy a test kit for ammonia, nitrates and nitrite and test the water ASAP. How many gallons does your tank hold? If your tank was quite new and the filter wasn't working properly it means its time for a clean out and you should just roughly wash the filter sponge out in water from water changes(not tap water) just removing the gunky bits but not cleaning the filter sparkling clean.
You should be able to take you filter apart to a certain extent and its not uncommon for gunk to start building up around the motor/propeller and slow it down so you should make sure this is not happening in your filter.

[snapback]856068[/snapback]​

Hiya,
lol no it was just a really bad old filter... I had the tank passed down to me .. and I have had it up and running for over a year now. Now the fish seem great Im super happy.
Missy xxx