sick fish =( possibly velvet?

[mikev]

Azrael,

A few more things:

1. Lower the temp a bit, to 75f-77f. This adds O2, and makes ammonia a little less dangerous.
2. Lower the pH a bit too (you need pH kit, and something to lower it), again this makes ammonia less dangerous.
3. Go to
http://www.fishforums.net/index.php?showforum=26
this is the Beginner's Corner of another forum, lots of guides there, read as much as you can.
4. On the same site, check this link
http://www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=150631
if you have someone in your area, get in touch, this is one chance you have.

[azrael181]

The petstore closest to me did not have an ammonia testing kit, but they did have kits for nitrite and ph. Nitrite level is 0.1 mg/L, and the ph is 7.1. I did a water change last night.

The smaller loach did die =( But the bigger one still looks ok, no redness around his gills, no rapid breathing, no white patches. He's by himself now though, so I'm going to be looking for a home for him with someone who has loaches he can be with. Then I'll get more suitable fish for a new tank and get it properly cycled.

Thanks again for the advice everyone =)

[mikev]

Sorry for your loach but this was predictable.

Ammonia kit is a must. Check other stores around, or order on the internet.

Judging by your numbers and time, you are at the beginning of the second leg of the cycling. Ammonia is likely to decrease now, but nitrites will rise. Try to buy PRIME (nitrite detox), you may be able to pull through with it.

[chris1932]

I could be out of line here. Do you know anyone with a tank that is mature? You would be supprised how much a small handfull of gravel form a cycled tank will help. I had the same problems. Also I agree that Cycle is a useless product, but Marineland BioSpira is a very good product. It may help in the short term. Also the lower pH and lower temp will help prevent amonnia toxicity. One last thing and it is a product Nitraban is a good product and it got me over the hump as a beginner. I hope you do not loose any more fish. Dont be discouraged. You may want to add some stress guard with water changes to protect your Clown.


Chris