veggievettech
Aquarium Advice Apprentice
I need help! I suppose I have "new tank syndrome"...
I am a new aquarist. I bought a 20 gallon tank kit about a month ago.
The tank ran fishless for 3 days before I added 4 mollys and some aquarium salt. Everything was going well for 3 weeks. I was doing once a week 10% water changes using a gravel pump and water testing. Per the people at the pet store, everything was normal.
At that point, I lost 2 fish suddenly. I had the water tested again and the ammonia was high and there were no nitrates. I was given a bacteria supplement, which I added after a 20% water change.
The next morning, I had a moderate algae growth on the tank glass that I never had before (coincidence? I don't know...). I tested the water again- ammonia still high (I don't know the exact parameters. Test was done by pet store). I was told to do a 50% water change and add "easy balance with nitraban". I did. I lost a third Molly overnight.
I now only have one Molly in my tank.
What do I do? Am I on the right track? Do I continue to change the water? If so, how often? Is the bacteria supplement helpful with the ammonia? Will I lose this last fish? If I do, when is it safe to add new fish? I have a ton of questions!
I'm completely lost and I'm reading MANY different things! It breaks my heart to keep losing these fish!!
Please help!!
thanks!
I am a new aquarist. I bought a 20 gallon tank kit about a month ago.
The tank ran fishless for 3 days before I added 4 mollys and some aquarium salt. Everything was going well for 3 weeks. I was doing once a week 10% water changes using a gravel pump and water testing. Per the people at the pet store, everything was normal.
At that point, I lost 2 fish suddenly. I had the water tested again and the ammonia was high and there were no nitrates. I was given a bacteria supplement, which I added after a 20% water change.
The next morning, I had a moderate algae growth on the tank glass that I never had before (coincidence? I don't know...). I tested the water again- ammonia still high (I don't know the exact parameters. Test was done by pet store). I was told to do a 50% water change and add "easy balance with nitraban". I did. I lost a third Molly overnight.
I now only have one Molly in my tank.
What do I do? Am I on the right track? Do I continue to change the water? If so, how often? Is the bacteria supplement helpful with the ammonia? Will I lose this last fish? If I do, when is it safe to add new fish? I have a ton of questions!
I'm completely lost and I'm reading MANY different things! It breaks my heart to keep losing these fish!!
Please help!!