New Tank- Lost 5 Fishes In 10 Days

[awais394]

I setup a new tropical aquarium around 5 weeks ago. I added 7 fishes (5 guppies and 2 sword tails), i do regular water changes and always use Tetra Aqua Safe. So far the readings for water parameters are not great. Last time when i checked i found PH 8.2, Nitrite is 0.25 ppm, Nitrate is 10 ppm and Ammonia at 0.50 ppm. So far i lost 4 guppies and 1 sword tail. Three days ago i found white spots in one sword tail. I am treating it with Protozine.

Is it all happening because my tank is still cycling? Since i have started using Protozine i did not change water. Should i change water as i am treating for white spots.

How long should i wait for tank to cycle and to add new fishes. Any suggestions will be great full as i am new to this hobby and have a very limited knowledge.

 

[marieukxx]

Yeah your tank is not cycled. I'm no expert but you need to do a 50% water change right now then test again and post your results. You need to get that amonia and nitrite down NOW. Read on the sticky thread about fish in cycling after you've done that.

 

[The Taffy Apple]

You will always get issues with guppys these days, they are so interbred that their DNA is terrible. Yes, they are very pretty to look at, but the vast majority of them do not last more than a few weeks...maybe look into getting 'Endler Guppys', alot smaller, but much stronger on the whole.

With regards to your readings, ANYTHING above '0' for NitrIte and Ammonia is harmful to your fish. So where do you go from here? I know what i would suggest, maybe re-homing the remaining fish you have and then get stuck into a 'fishless' cycle using household ammonia. If you are prepared to be patient (it CAN take 2/3 months) then your fish, filter and tank will be alot healthier in the long run.

If you post your tank size and what filter you are using then the users of this forum will give you all the additional information you need. In the mean time, continue to do water changes to keep the NitrIte and Ammonia down, not forgetting to re-fill with warm, de-chlorinated water.

Best of luck, i know how you are feeling,
Terry.