Where Did I Go Wrong?

[Jamieleigh.]

Okay so about 2 months ago I got my fish tank s second hand, being a completely new to keeping tropical fish I didn't really know I was meant to do. I was told that I did not have to cycle the tank because it was second hand and already had fish in it, it came with 4 striped barbs and 1 neon. When I added more fish to it they started dying, every fish I put in died. I think what was wrong was that the filter was not putting out oxygen bubbles and the fish were basically suffocating. The filter pump was not running properly and I, stupid as I am, did not realise and that is why they died. Does this seem right? Now that the filter is working properly everything seems to be ok, well the 1 remaining molly has been living happily for the past few weeks so I'm guessing that's a good sign.

 

[KISSfn]

A filter's primary job is not to put oxygen in the water. Best way to check if your filter is cycled is to test your water with a liquid test kit for ammonia, nitrite and nitrates. If ammonia and nitrites are higher than zero, your filter is not cycled and that's what killed the fish. Test your water as soon as you can and post your readings here.

 

[j mac]

Hi
Although I have had my tank running for over a year now I still consider myself a 'newbie' to keeping tropical fish keeping. I have learned the hard way losing lots of fish particularly when taking advice from lfs. Things started improving when I found this forum where there is masses of information from people who know what they are talking about. Have a look at the Beginners Resource (in the New Freshwater Tank Forum)to start and go from there.
Hope this helps