Member

Posts: 34
From:warren,ohio,usa
Registered: Oct 2003

posted 10-19-2003 08:26 AM         

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I have a twenty gallon aquarium and am having a problem keeping fish in it. It is clean and clear, I have never been exposed to ich, keep the temperature moderate 67-70, and do not over or under feed. Right now all I hav eleft is my pleco, that I have had for four years, and 2 zebra danios, not even the guppies survived!!! I HAVE NEVER HAD A PROBLEM BEFORE. I have had a fish tank for 12 years and this is the first time I am having a problem. Can any one give some suggestions??

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Member

Posts: 183
From:austin,tx, usa
Registered: Dec 2002

posted 10-19-2003 10:15 AM         

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Hi, what kind of fish have you kept/lost?
I'm no expert, but that water seems a little cold to me.
I keep mine at 76-80 depending on the time of the year.. really, never goes under 76.
good luck

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Member

Posts: 34
From:warren,ohio,usa
Registered: Oct 2003

posted 10-19-2003 01:18 PM         

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dianemn,

I have lost another pleco, guppies, pufferfish, tetras, and danios.

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Posts: 806
From:
Registered: Jan 2003

posted 10-19-2003 10:29 PM         

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What immediately comes to mind for me is that you are using chlorine remover and your local water supply has recently changed their processing from chlorine to chloramine or have changed their processing in some other way, like increasing water hardness that is causing you this difficulty. I would recommend two things. First check to see what changes have been made in your local water processing. Secondly, I would increase my water temperature. 67-70 is really low for the fish you have listed.

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New Member

Posts: 8
From:Arizona
Registered: Oct 2003

posted 10-19-2003 10:51 PM         

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That temp is "freezing" for nearly all tropical fish and will stress them The "tropics" are warm and most tropical fish do best at temps between 76-82 F. Do you check water parameters for nitrites, nitrates and ammonia? Is your tank properly cycled? What kind of water do you use tap? bottled? soft? hard? RO? Do you declorinate it? Add salt? What kind of filter do you have? Do you use a heater at all? Not enough information provided to even start to answer this question.

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Member

Posts: 34
From:warren,ohio,usa
Registered: Oct 2003

posted 10-22-2003 09:12 PM         

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ok well all my nitrates and phs and all that other stuff is fine. I do dechlorinate, but only when I change the water, i do not top off very frequently cause i don't have the need, I will try adjusting the temp. yes my tank is cycled, it has been running for well over 5 years. I use tap water, hard or soft i don't know. I have never added salt to my tank, I have two filters running on my tank, one for a 10 gallon and one for a 20 gallon. they are just the regular over the back style.

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posted 10-22-2003 10:53 PM           

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I suggest getting a bio-wheel. Do you have an undergravel filter? Your gravel will produce toxins that you cannot test fro is there is food in it.

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Posts: 806
From:
Registered: Jan 2003

posted 10-22-2003 11:02 PM         

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jenn.bob, You should also add aquarium salt to the tank. It not only helps your fish develop their slime coating that helps keep them from fungusing, it also provides electrolytes that they must have to remain healthy.

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