Help With Tank?

Question

Hi. I'm not really a starter but I have a 55g tank and can't seem to keep my fish living. Everytime I purchase a pleco and Gouramis they all die but two. I do clean the tank 1/4 a month with my viper. Just don't know what it is that I am doing wrong. Is there anyone that can help me with advise. Thanks in advance for your assistance.

Answer 1

Well, you should be cleaning a little more than that, more in like 30% per week.

Anyway, I'd need some more info.
What are you water parameters? By which I mean:
pH - usually is not what kills fish as most are highly adaptable. But if it's really high (12+) or really low (5-) it could be a problem
Hardness - again, usually not the killer, but good to know.
Ammonia - Anything over 0 is dangerous
Nitrites - Ditto
Nitrates - Anything over 40 ppm is dangerous.

Do you use a dechlorinator to eliminate chlorine and chloramines? Otherwise, the chlorine is toxic to your fish.

Do you acclimate your fish before releasing them? A rapid change in temperature, pH, etc can be shocking and can kill a fish. Be sure to float the bag in the tank water for 10-15 minutes. Open the bag, and add a half cup of tank water. Repeat in 10 minutes. Then net the fish, release in the tank, and chuck the water in the bag.

Do the fish exhibit any symptoms before they die? White spots, bloating, pinecone-like apearance, fuzzy stuff, difficulty swimming, etc?

Answer 2

First off did you cycle the tank?

Secondly, aquariums need to be cleaned weekly, not monthly.

3rd, make sure you are not getting a common pleco, they grow way too big and produce lots of waste, which can cause water quality problems, especially since you only clean once a month.

Answer 3

when refilling water useTLC for aquariums it elimenates toxics and improves water quality,and useAMQUEL ...removes ammonia chloramines chlorine for fresh and salt water fish.

Answer 4

yea you can clean it and stuff but a good way to clean it is to get cleaner tablets a filter ect