Fish Gasping for Air!!!!

[fred]

I have a 44g planted hex with various tetras and a clown pleco. Yesterday I did a 50% pwc and re decorated the tank. I added a river rock I found. Before adding I scrubbed the you know what out of it and soaked it in boiling water a few times. When I woke up this am all my fish are at the top of tank gasping for air? Even the trumpet snails I've acquired with my plants, that usually stay buried and hidden, are making their way to the top? The obvious thing is my filter was accidentally turned off.,,ya I know!! I turned it on full power about 20 minutes ago however they have not stopped gasping. Haven't checked my levels yet. I have had zero problems with this tank. I have a Rena Filster xp3 (rated for up to 75g) so I know they have enough filtration. Should I be worried or does it take longer to get the O2 back up if the filter is left off? Any advice??

 

[fred]

Ok my tank is cycling Ammonia 0 Nitrite 1 Nitrate 5... Would a rock cause this? I also put some silk plants in, they were in another tank however have been sitting for months. Doing a pwc right now and I put a stone in to add more O2. I'm a little freaked out! This has never happened before

 

[fishfanatic]

An air stone is a great thing to add right now.
Do you happen to know what kind of rock you put into the tank? Some kinds of rocks can alter water chemistry. My guess would be, the rock is the problem

**edit: what is the temperature of your tank?

 

[fred]

My temp is at 78. No change in Nitrite reading after water change. Te fish have stopped gasping for air though. Still have the air stone in. I don't know what kind of rock. I researched putting rocks in your tank and from everything I read all you have to do is clean them thoroughly. Should I take it out or let the tank cycle...I'm very nervous for my fish!! I've had this tank for almost 3 years with zero problems. I've list fish here and there but never gone through a cycle like this??

 

[fred]

I have 3 gorgeous adult columbian tetras, had them since the start...say a fish prayer for them

 

[fishfanatic]

If they have stopped gasping that that is a great sign!
I have read in a few places that putting vinegar on a rock can help determine if it is aquarium safe, if the vinegar foams then it will not be good for an aquarium. I am sure someone more knowledgeable will chime in to help.
I really don't think you will lose your fish, after all you are taking all the right precautions

**edit: How long was the filter turned off for?

 

[fred]

I think the filter was off all night!! Cleaned it last night before bed. I have power bar behind the filter to plug everything. I think when I pushed the filter back I pushed the power button off on the power bar. The lights went off in the tank and I went to bed. Like every morning I checked them and there they were gasping at the top. Filter was the first thing I checked, it was off. So it could have been 10 or so hours that it was off