Cichlids Rapid Breathing After Water Change.

[VaranusPanoptes]

I change my water once a week and every time my cichlids end up on the bottom of the tank breathing rapidly. I add dechlorinator and try to match the water temperature with my python the best I can. I've even left the sponge filters on while I drain the tank in an attempt to oxygenate the water. Anyone else have this happen?

 

[Brookster123]

You're either scaring the **** out of them or your water parameters are swinging drastically. Do you check ph of your tap? After 24-48 hrs? It can change.

 

[VaranusPanoptes]

You're either scaring the **** out of them or your water parameters are swinging drastically. Do you check ph of your tap? After 24-48 hrs? It can change.

Yes, my tap ph is in the 7's.

 

[Magma4life]

It could be that it's too great a change for them. How much water are you taking out each time? If you change too much you'll have to re-acclimate them every time.

 

[VaranusPanoptes]

50% water change, I'm new to this and I have been told 50% is the amount I should change out.

 

[Magma4life]

I normally change 15 to 25% every three to five days. The only time I did a bigger one was when I had a mold problem and I almost lost my fish. Maybe try a smaller amount of water more frequently. At least that's what works for me.

 

[Brookster123]

50% is fine/standard practice. I do 90% wcs with no issue. It's going to be a temp match or parameter match issue. Or you're coming in like shrek and scaring the doods out of them.

 

[VaranusPanoptes]

I do have problems matching the water temperature with my python as I fill it back up. I fiddle with the faucet and a digital thermometer but I cannot seem to equally match the temperature to that of my tank's. Any suggestions? It must be the temperature..

 

[Brookster123]

Suggestions?? Umm match the temperature better!!! Haha. Kidding.. but seriously.. I have sensitive fish, no room for error with this stuff. I set up a couple 55 gal brute barrels. They run all the time bit you could use yours as needed. Get an air stone and a heater. Just fill it a day or two before you water change. Youd need a pump too. Could be more than you're willing to invest. You could also get an inline digital thermometer, they're meant for shower heads. @coralbandit uses them I believe. That may be the best option.