Silly mistakes, not cleaning new tank properly

[gargamel]

Hi all,

I have a tank that was cycled for several weeks before getting our new neon tetras. We had 6, sadly one died near the filter after about 3 days (we've now had the fish for just 9 days). One developed a white spot/lump under the mouth around the same time and I've given a dose of anti-fungal treatment. No other fish are affected.

My question is this: the pH and ammonia levels are ok but I have only seen how to change the water properly via YouTube today, ie by using a siphon. I'd scooped water out via a jug (I know, I know). I've bought a siphon now and was wondering if it would cause any harm to give the gravel a good clean tomorrow and change the water again as it's been less than 48 hours since I'd replaced the water in the tank.

Another question, how much water should I place into the tank? Does it matter if the water output from the filter is covered? I'm such a newbie, please be gentle with me! T

Thanks in advance.

 

[Barliman]

If you've only had the fish for nine days and PH and ammonia are fine, then I don't see a need to change water just yet. In fact, if you're medicating, changing water would dilute the medication while you want it to be working.

BTW, do you have tests for nitrate and nitrite, as well? Are you using a dechlorinator with your new water? How many gallons is the tank, and what kind of filter is on it?

I usually change 20% of my water every other week, but my tank is heavily planted (plants help clean the water). The water is just fine. You should be fine gravel vaccing yours: that won't hurt the fish.

Just be aware that neons can be a bit delicate in the first couple of weeks in a new home: I bought seven at a big box store and lost six in the first week. (None since then, almost been a year) It doesn't mean you're a bad fishkeeper, but there is a bit to learn.

Good luck with the sick neon, and don't be hesitant to ask questions!

 

[gargamel]

Thanks so much for your reply!

I've tested for nitrates and nitrites and pH everything is ok, and I use tap safe whenever I've added water. My tank is 19 litres, I think that's 5 US gallons? As for the filter, I've got Interpet service pack life support. I notice that a number of food flakes are on the substrate, how often should I clean this up?

I haven't got any plants, just an ornamental bridge on gravel substrate. Would adding a small plant or two be a good idea?

One more question, is it ok to top up the tank after I added the anti-fungal treatment yesterday? There's been a bit of evaporation and the water is about 2" away from the top.

Sorry for the barrage of questions!

 

[SherLar]

It's fine to top up your tank when it gets low. Just be sure you treat the new water to remove chlorine before adding it. It would be ok to do a light gravel vac also, if you see a lot of detritus on the bottom of the tank. Since you're medicating the tank, if you haven't done so already, it would be a good idea to remove activated carbon from your filter, as the carbon will remove medication.

 

[gargamel]

They were also swimming to the top for air - lo and behold the nitrites were dangerously high so immediately we siphoned some water, replaced with treated tap water. We'd also noticed couple of hours ago some white spots on some of the fish so we've just bought some anti white spot. They're now swimming around normally and fingers crossed all will be well.

I'm finding siphoning a bit tricky, should I persevere with the manual siphon or consider a battery operated one, especially with clearing excess flakes? I'm having a hard time removing these from the gravel (they were slightly overfed on the first few days, now we make the flakes a bit smaller)?

 

[gargamel]

Since you're medicating the tank, if you haven't done so already, it would be a good idea to remove activated carbon from your filter, as the carbon will remove medication.

How long should I leave the carbon out for?

 

[Barliman]

What are you using to siphon? A plain hose, or a gravel vac tool? (The latter has a wider front-end piece that makes vacuuming easier.) I use the kind that also has a squeeze pump to start the siphon -- makes things a lot easier.

 

[Barliman]

How long should I leave the carbon out for?

For the length of the treatment prescribed on the medication.

 

[gargamel]

What are you using to siphon? A plain hose, or a gravel vac tool? (The latter has a wider front-end piece that makes vacuuming easier.) I use the kind that also has a squeeze pump to start the siphon -- makes things a lot easier.

I have the Prime Gravel Cleaner but didn't notice many flakes being siphoned nor the gravel getting cleaned Looking on Amazon others have had similar problems, I'll look out for one with a squeeze pump when I buy a couple of small plants for the tank this week.

 

[gargamel]

Hello, just letting you know that this morning all the fish have improved colour, looks like the 25-30% water change helped plus the anti white spot treatment is working very well, I'll be sure to give the second dose in a few days as recommended on the bottle. I'm going to get two small plants and I'm rather excited to have found a specialist fish shop nearby

 

[Barliman]

It's been a few days, how are they doing?

 

[gargamel]

Sorry for my late reply!

The fish are doing well, thanks. I think I'm getting the hang of the siphon and using it to vacuum the gravel substrate.

Up until now I was using test strips to check the water parameters, but I've heard it's not the most accurate method?

 

[Barliman]

Up until now I was using test strips to check the water parameters, but I've heard it's not the most accurate method?

I've used Tetra Test strips and the API liquid master kit extensively with comparable good results.

 

[gargamel]

Thank you! I have the Tetra test strips too