I have a 2.5 gallon tank I started up about two or three weeks ago. I had a small bout of ich that I successfully treated last week with QuickCure. Now the surface of the tank has this fine, velvety cloud on top which I don't remember being there before. I put in a fresh filter bag. Am I just being paranoid or is there something I should be aware of. Thanks!
2007-05-22 01:23:12 · 6 answers · asked by Markarian 2 in Pets ➔ Fish
Like Carl said, there's nothing in the Quick Cure that will harm the bacteria in your tank. But since your tank has only been running for a few weeks, it's probably still in the process of building a bacterial population. This is all part of the cycling process that every new tank owner goes through. The film on the top of the water is most likely caused by a combination of dissolved protein (from fish wastes) and bacteria. You just want your filter to provide good movement across the top of the water (a ripple effect, rather than a waterfall) so it won't interfere with the amount of oxygen/carbon dioxide exchange at the surface. If you use a siphon to clean the tank, you can submerge the siphon and point the end upward from just under the water to remove some of this when you do water changes. Also, be sure you aren't overfeeding the fish - only give what they can eat in 2-3 minutes, twice a day. Once you've got a full load of beneficial bacteria, you shouldn't notice any clouding.
2007-05-22 05:22:28 · answer #1 · answered by copperhead 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
First I am glad you got rid of the ich.
Although Quick Cure does not have any chemicals in it that are hard on nitrifying bacteria (such as Erythromycin or Methylene Blue), it is still tough on the environment of any new tank to add any treatment.
Having even a small sponge filter such as the Hydro Sponge #1 is helpful (unless you already have a filter).
A 25% water change every other day until this clears up would be useful.
If possible, test your ammonia and nitrite levels; these should be 0 (or close to 0). If not products such as Prime will neutralize this. Mineral blocks such as Wonder Shells are also helpful here as they add needed electrolytes and aid in aquarium Redox which will in turn aid in water clarity.
2007-05-22 11:27:55 · answer #2 · answered by Carl Strohmeyer 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Cloudiness is usually a problem with filtration, if you just put a fresh filter bag on, it might take a while for it to filter out. I would take a net and skim the top (velvety cloud) to help it out some.
2007-05-22 08:32:08 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you probably killed off all the bacteria from the med's and changing the filter bag. I'd change about 20% of the water and give it some time. check the ammonia levels to make sure the fish don't get poisoned.
2007-05-22 08:35:16 · answer #4 · answered by Scott M 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take a sterile sample of the water from your fish tank to the nearest quality pet store. They will be able to tell you what you need to do. I wouldn't wait too long, as some fish need their water "just right" as compared to ex: a goldfish....which is a hardy fish for a beginner to raise.
2007-05-22 09:09:51 · answer #5 · answered by lady_tiko 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try a partial water change, that may help.
2007-05-25 22:48:06 · answer #6 · answered by luciousgreeneyedlady 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋