Hello all,
I have a 55 gallon with some platties, mollys, swordtails, and a pleco. It was doing very well, but then I had a baby and hadn't vaccummed the tank for a couple months because of being in the hospital and then getting used to my newborn! The fish seemed alright, but then a few days ago I did a small vaccuming (probably only 5% because it was stirring up a lot). The next day I noticed fin rot and lots of fish itching. My nitrates are WAY too high for the first time ever. I just treated with some Melafix and aqarium salt.. I know it's a 7 day process... but now I am wondering if I should have done a large water change before treating? Should I do a large water change and then treat? or wait to do the water change after treatment ends? I am just very worried because the vaccuuming is what made the fish very sick in the first place bc of all the stirring up. I love my fish and don't want them to suffer! Please help!
I have a 55 gallon with some platties, mollys, swordtails, and a pleco. It was doing very well, but then I had a baby and hadn't vaccummed the tank for a couple months because of being in the hospital and then getting used to my newborn! The fish seemed alright, but then a few days ago I did a small vaccuming (probably only 5% because it was stirring up a lot). The next day I noticed fin rot and lots of fish itching. My nitrates are WAY too high for the first time ever. I just treated with some Melafix and aqarium salt.. I know it's a 7 day process... but now I am wondering if I should have done a large water change before treating? Should I do a large water change and then treat? or wait to do the water change after treatment ends? I am just very worried because the vaccuuming is what made the fish very sick in the first place bc of all the stirring up. I love my fish and don't want them to suffer! Please help!