Moving Tanks and Fry

[Aspen35]

Hello everyone. I just finished moving a 20 long, stocked with guppies and Platys. They don’t seem to be doing well at all. Temp is the same as before, I added an air stone because they are gasping. 10 mins ago, I had to baby fish. Now, right when I was putting the lid on, I saw two guppy fry. ??? Perhaps they were hiding in the gravel or something, I didn’t drain the tank 100% so I guess they were hiding somewhere. Why are the fish so stressed out from the move?

 

[AilyNC]

Where they all in the tank as you moved it? My fish are jumpy if someone bumps the counter top so I imagine all that movement would unsettle them.

 

[Aspen35]

Where they all in the tank as you moved it? My fish are jumpy if someone bumps the counter top so I imagine all that movement would unsettle them.

No, they were scooped into another container.

 

[AilyNC]

I'd turn their lights off, try keep things quiet around the tank and check how they are. They might just need a bit of time to settle. Being moved to a container and back again probably stressed them a little.

 

[Aspen35]

I'd turn their lights off, try keep things quiet around the tank and check how they are. They might just need a bit of time to settle. Being moved to a container and back again probably stressed them a little.

Things are not improving. Some of the fish look a bit better, but most are still gasping at the top. I found one that must have passed away last night. What could be causing this?

 

[AdoraBelle Dearheart]

Things are not improving. Some of the fish look a bit better, but most are still gasping at the top. I found one that must have passed away last night. What could be causing this?

That's more than just being moved stressed. Have you done a water test? Did you remember to use water conditioner when you refilled the tank? Any chance something like a cleaning solution, air freshener or anything might have contaminated the tank?

 

[Aspen35]

That's more than just being moved stressed. Have you done a water test? Did you remember to use water conditioner when you refilled the tank? Any chance something like a cleaning solution, air freshener or anything might have contaminated the tank?

I don’t think anything got into the tank, but I can’t be 100% sure. I used water conditioner. I’ll test the water now. Should I do a water change to remove anything that may have contaminated it?

 

[AdoraBelle Dearheart]

I don’t think anything got into the tank, but I can’t be 100% sure. I used water conditioner. I’ll test the water now. Should I do a water change to remove anything that may have contaminated it?

I would. I'd do 75 - 80%, just in case, and save some of the old water to test it afterwards. Water change won't hurt, but might help

 

[Aspen35]

I would. I'd do 75 - 80%, just in case, and save some of the old water to test it afterwards. Water change won't hurt, but might help

Uh oh. This fish looks like it’s got a swim bladder issue. Something is not right here.

 

[AilyNC]

Definitely do a big water change. That fish ain't looking great

 

[Retired Viking]

I agree with the water change, did it help at all? I also think turning the lights down will help deal with the stress.

 

[AdoraBelle Dearheart]

I'm also wondering, those fish look very stressed

OP, did you do the water change and test the old water for ammonia/nitrites/nitrates?

 

[mhancock]

Just wondering if the dechlorinator you used is actually working? Be good to check NO3/NO2 levels in case it is cycling.

 

[Aspen35]

Just wondering if the dechlorinator you used is actually working? Be good to check NO3/NO2 levels in case it is cycling.

I used dechlorinator (prime) but I’m on a well so I wouldn’t expect not adding it to cause a huge problem.

I'm also wondering, those fish look very stressed

OP, did you do the water change and test the old water for ammonia/nitrites/nitrates?
Yes, I did the water change and tested the water. Ammonia and nitrite at zero, nitrate 15. ( the old water)

I agree with the water change, did it help at all? I also think turning the lights down will help deal with the stress.

I just turned the lights off, I only had them on for the picture.

 

[Aspen35]

The strangest thing yet is that this seems to only be affecting guppies, not the Platys. This morning I found two guppies dead, so there are two left. The Platys don’t seem bothered, although I’m sure they’re stressed too. Unfortunately I’m at school, and I’m worried about not being able to watch them.