Tigar barb has died and 1 shrimp

[freeandhappyfishing]

Well two fish have died in two days started to make me wonder about the water. I took a water sample to the lfs and they said my nitrate and nitrite was through the roof. So they informed me to ad what is called phos x ( its suppose to trap phosphate, nitrate,nitrite) just kinda skeptikal about that. I did a 30% water change and a 60% gravel cleaning. Also the water a hazzy milky white. so i broke down and got a test kit so here are my numbers

ph 7.2
ammonia 0.0
nitrite 2.0-5.2
nitrate 160

so if anyone can help me with that issue it is more then welcome thanks

 

[Phantom Thief]

Wow, those are some awful water parameters.

Nitrates should generally be kept under 60ppm, nitrites should be 0.

Do some major water changes ASAP.

P.T.

 

[freeandhappyfishing]

how often do you think?

 

[Tempestuousfury]

That was good, getting a kit.

Need to keep up the water changes.

Did you cycle the tank properly?

How is the tank stocked? Size?

 

[freeandhappyfishing]

the tank now has 3 tigar barbs, 3 danios, 1 cory, and 1 common plec. trying to convince the girl friend to let me go with a 55gal (its on sale) now their in 10gal

 

[freeandhappyfishing]

well took a sample today to see if anything changed

ph 7.2
am 0

nitrate 160
nitrite 5.2

should i use the product phos x ?

and i did a 30 % water change

 

[digital_run]

Your tank is way over stocked....which basically means you have too many fish in there. Your common plec is a messy thing which gets quite large (10-12") and produces a massive amount of waste...which will affect your water chemistry especially in a small tank. Tigers should be in atleast 30gal IMO as they need swimming space and should be kept in groups of 6 or more to spread aggression. Tigers are sensitive to Nitrite/Nitrate levels and this can weaken their immune system and open them to disease's such as ich etc.... I'd increase the ammount of water changes you do ..maybe 10-20% a day and maybe thinking about getting rid of your plec...there nice fish but need atleast 75gal to keep them properly.

 

[freeandhappyfishing]

well thank you every one for the advice ive been keeping up with my water changes the water is clear finally i took nitrite and nitrate samples yesterday

nitrite 2.0
nitrate 20

then i took one today

ph 7.2
amm 0
nitrite .50
nitrate 80

it kinda looks like its going backwards is that normal?

also the wifey said i can get my 55 in a couple of months yeah!!! took alot of convincing hehe

 

[Phantom Thief]

Wow, your nitrates increased 60ppm in one day

At least the nitrite is getting processed well, the most toxic substance in there now is the nitrite, so you are doing good. The high nitrate levels worry me though...

P.T.

 

[freeandhappyfishing]

well i didnt change the tank for a day to see where it stands nitrites are a2 2.0
and nitrates are at 160 wow long should i do the daily water changes to see long lasting results?

 

[wetwetwet]

Water changes will help, small and regular...

My concern would be the increasing nitrates and the nitrites - I think maybe your filter can't cope with your bioload - cut right back on feeding (just a minimal ammount) for a few weeks to see if things improve...



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