OhMyFish
Fish Fanatic
I've read all I "should have done" and I'm sure my problem is caused by too many fish too quickly but...I'm here now and need to go forward...I really want to save the fish as I've become quite attached to them, especially the cories!
This tank is really my 10-year-old son's so we're learning together.
Details (to the best of my memory): 29 gallon freshwater tank, under gravel filter, heater, set up 7 weeks ago
Will be testing ammonia level later today, prior to feeding the fish.
Any encouraging words of advice? (My son is already talking about starting over...but then he hasn't had to spend the $$$$ yet!)
This tank is really my 10-year-old son's so we're learning together.
Details (to the best of my memory): 29 gallon freshwater tank, under gravel filter, heater, set up 7 weeks ago
- 1st week: set up tank and added bacteria product, using a water conditioner for the tap water
- 2nd week: added 6 bloodfin tetras and 1 emerald green cory catfish
- 3rd week: began weekly water changes, 10-20 %
- 5th week (Monday): added 1 Red Ludwigia, 1 Java Fern, 2 neon tetras. 2 silver tipped tetras, and 1 albino cory catfish
- 5th week (Tuesday): 1 dead neon, replaced by Petco with another neon (told ammonia level too high and to use ammonia lock product); increased weekly water changes to 30%; decreased feeding from 2x daily to 1x daily
- 5th week (Wednesday): 2nd dead neon (from purchase on Monday, not the replacement neon), replaced with x-tray tetra; using ammonia lock product every other day
- 6th week: ammonia levels varying between 1 & 2, ph level down to 6, added twisted bamboo plant, removed decaying ludwigia; continued using ammonia lock product every other day; told to reduce heat to 76°F from 78°F
- 7th week (just starting): removed remaining ludwigia; decreased feeding to 1x every other day; beginning 50% water change every other day using another water conditioner which also is for stress; measured space for a filter to hang on the tank but no room--would have to move tank at least 2 inches from wall (not something I want to do--tank sits on an aquarium cabinet on an uneven tiled floor between doorways)
Will be testing ammonia level later today, prior to feeding the fish.
Any encouraging words of advice? (My son is already talking about starting over...but then he hasn't had to spend the $$$$ yet!)