New here, new hobby, need help :(

[Toph]

Hey! So I started my first aquarium about a month ago & stupidly bought two rainbow sharks as my first inhabitants. I soon found out they didn't do well together. Skip forward to today, they both have their own tank with mates.

My problem started with one tank yesterday afternoon. I had done a 25% water change (added juices to make the water fish safe) then I noticed my rainbow fish gulping at the surface of the water, then my rainbow shark not long after. As soon as I saw this I did a water test, all fine! I did another small water change & added some more stress coat - maybe I didn't put in enough? It then happened again, so I relocated my rainbow fish and they perked up, but can't move my shark as the other shark in the tank already. I had checked the filter & it was running fine but I decided to use another I had on hand in case something was happening that I couldn't see. The spare filter is pumping some bubbles out, so I know there's oxygen in the water.

This morning I wake to him at the surface again! I'm so stressed and I'm at a loss. I don't want to put him though more stress, what am I doing wrong? What do I need to do?

Thanks guys

 

[BenG]

May I ask how large your tank is?

 

[Toph]

40L - I plan on upgrading when he gets bigger. Atm hes still about 2 inches.

 

[Toph]

I should also add in case it helps - I had bought a piece of driftwood from my local shop & added it yesterday after a quick scrub & soak in the old water as I was changing. When I noticed the odd behaviour, I removed it straight away ..

 

[BenG]

Hmmm. I think there are two issues here. One, too small of a tank. Two, either tannins or salt leaching from the driftwood. It was smart of you to remove it right away. Perhaps the driftwood wasn't soaked for a long enough period of time?

 

[Toph]

Hm, okay. I did try and quick fix with getting the 40L, I got so scared when I just saw them constantly fighting. Going forward - should I continue to do small water changes today & look at a bigger home for him? Right now it's just him, a snail and his fav (fake) rock in the tank.

 

[BenG]

Maybe, but do keep in mind that too many water changes can be lethal to fish.

 

[JuiceBox52]

Do a 75% water change. If they are gasping theres something in the water that needs removed asap

 

[Toph]

I've just done a big water change & he's settling under his rock. Fingers crossed this works, thank you!

 

[Retired Viking]

Welcome to the forum, I agree with @JuiceBox52 you should do a large water change and flush out your tank.