New tank problems

[Kimberley]

Hi everyone, I'm pretty new to all this so you may have to bear with me. I did have a tank set up and everything within it was running smoothly, until it decided to leak. Unfortunately, I had no access to a tank that was set up so I had to buy a new one, which is now my picture. I was advised to use the old water, the old gravel and decorations and to wash the new and old sponge filters together. I did this, and now I'm losing my fish on a daily basis I understand about cycling and things, but I had no other option. I now have left - 4 platys, 1swordtail, 1 African dwarf frog, 1 ghost shrimp 1 large apple snail and 2 bristlenose plecs. The platys and swordtail and shrimp are now just staying at the top of the tank, and I don't know what to do now. I did a 50% water change around an hour ago, and this has made very little difference. Thanks

 

[reefdiver]

Have you tested your water?

 

[Kimberley]

Yes. I only have the 6 in one strips, they are saying my nitrate is slightly higher than it should be, so to do a water change which I have. It doesn't test for ammonia though and I think that that may be the issue. I'm really not sure as I'm new to fish keeping.

 

[reefdiver]

The folks in here recomend the kit as it is more reliable. When you rinsed tour spongea di tou use tank water?

 

[Kimberley]

Okay, ill have to test with that. I think my grandad has one. Yes, rinsed them together in a bowl of tank water

 

[reefdiver]

What size is your tank? It may be to small.

 

[Kimberley]

It is about two thirds the size of my other but this one was the only one I could afford at short notice. It's 21.6 uk litres. I think it is a little small for what I have. I'd hate to lose my frog and bristlenose plecos.

 

[reefdiver]

That may be the problem. Transfering everthing from one to another would not hurt. It maybe that your fish are creating to much bioload.

 

[Kimberley]

Okay, I did think it could be an issue as my old tank was bigger, but it was a surprise when it started to leak, and the pet shop said the new tank would be okay. Would there be anything I can do to help it? I think I may end up losing some fish

 

[reefdiver]

Just WC's. But like i said before check you water. You may nit be that off.

 

[Kimberley]

Okay, should I water change everyday? Around 50% or is that too much? The water is a little cloudy. How long should I do it for and do you think I'll lose some fish? Sorry for all the questions!

 

[reefdiver]

Without exact numbers, i would say its your best bet.

 

[Kimberley]

Okay, thank you so much for your help. I'll have to buy a proper testing kit asap.

 

[reefdiver]

That cludiness may prove that your tank is cycling.

 

[Kimberley]

Okay, so just stick to water changing and testing the water and hope for the best with the fish/frog/plecs/snail

 

[reefdiver]

Yes. If you test it will give you a base as to how often to do wc

 

[Kimberley]

Okay, ill do another water change tomorrow afternoon and then test the water everyday? I may not be able to get the proper kit for a week as I'll have to order it

 

[Kimberley]

Touch wood, my fish have perked up this morning and looking a little more active. I'll do another water change when I'm home from work, but hopefully, it will help!

 

[Borderlesscott]

5 US gallons / 21 litres - you are way overstocked and your Pleco's produce a massive load of waste, I'm sorry I don't see how that tank is ever going to work with the stocking and I think your going to loose more fish. I would do bigger water changes daily, and get a new tank ASAP. 21 litres is just big enought for 1 Betta or Dwarf Puffer - you would need at least 120 litres for 2 Pleco plus tank mates.

 

[Kimberley]

Hi, like I said, I understand that. But I had no other option. My old tank was bigger, and decided to leak. This one was the only one I could afford short notice.