I set the aquarium up in March. I had some goldfish and a frog. The fish got sick and the frog died. I am not sure if the frog died from not eating or the cycling of the tank. After the fish got sick, I did water changes weekly. 50% the first time and 25% after. During the water changes, I added Aquarium salt, Stress Zyme, Conditioner, and AmQuel. When I tested the water on the strips the level were high and eventually I got them under control. Yesterday, I bought 2 new fish and I sat the bag in the water from 9:30 to 11:00. Then I put the fish in the water. I tested the water before I put them in the aquarium to make sure it was ok. All the levels were fine. I even added Stress Zyme, AmQuel at 9:30. They swam around for a little while and went back to the bottom. Today, I added Stress Coat. Are they sick or sleeping? I don't know. I tested the water today and the levels are fine.

Please Help!




Test Results for the Following:
Ammonia Level? Unsure
Nitrite Level? 0 ppm
Nitrate level? 20 ppm
Ph Level, (If possible,KH and GH and chloramines)? 40 KH,150 GH, CHLORAMINES UNKNOWN
Ph Level out of the Tap? Unknown, tank has been set up since March 10
Tank size (How many Gals) and How long has it been running? 10 gallon and Running since March 10
What is the name and size of the filter/s? Tetra Filter and unsure of size
How often do you change the water and how much? I change the water as it evaporates since it has cycled for more than 30 days. The first change was 50% and I do 25% changes.
How many fish in the tank and their size? 2 fish Bought on last night
What kind of water additives or conditioners? Stress Zyme, Stress Coat, and Aquarium Salt, AmQuel Plus, Yapi Tap Water Conditioner
Any medications added to the tank? NO
Add any new fish to the tank? 2 new fish yesterday
What do you feed your fish? Haven't feed yet I just got the fish.
Any unusual findings on the fish such as "grains of salt",
bloody streaks, frayed fins or fungus? NO
Any unusual behavior like staying
at the bottom, not eating, ect..? The fish are staying at the bottom of the tap at the back under the plant.

if possible, i'd try and get a test for ammonia. it's really important. and since i've been out of the fishkeeping loop for a while, i'd just recommend keeping the lights off for now to reduce any stress, and letting the fish get acquainted with their new surroundings.

also when you added the fish, did you add the water that was in the bag?

also when floating the bag, it's also helpful if every couple of minutes you add a little bit of your tank water to the water in the bag to let the fish adjust to your tank water chemistry as well. just for future reference.

ok i'm a little bit confused now... are your fish cichlids or goldfish? i just saw your other topic which is the same thing but with "small cichlids" on the bottom.

No, I did not add the water from the bag because on the bag it said not to add the water from the bag.

The fish are small Cichlids.

oh nice. i didn't know they added those suggestions to the bags. haha but yeah it's never a good idea to add store water to your tank. i was just wondering.

other than just hiding in the back, are they doing anything else? usually new fish do hide when they are first introduced to a new tank... so i wouldn't say they're sick yet, especially if your water parameters are good.

What kind of cichlids are they and how big? Has your tank cycled that you know of? And you do need to get the ammonia tested too.
Do you have hiding places in the tank?

I have moved the other threads as they were the same.

The fish are swimming around a little now. But, they are at the bottom for the most part. Do these fish require a water heater? They were a gift, so I am not sure.

I think they are hiding because they are new and scared and after a couple of days will venture out more.
Do you not do water changes? If you are just topping off as the water evaporates then you should do proper water changes each week. As you have cichlids, depending on size and type then you might have to do more changes

Yes, they need heated water as they are tropical. Around 24c is fine for them, what kind of fish are they. if you arent sure can you get a pic or describe them.

As I stated earlier, I did a 50% change then 25% changes weekly after the first set of fish became sick from the cycling. I have not done any water changes since I got the cichlids. I just got them yesterday and before yesterday I did not have fish for over a month. The water evaporates weekly, so I know it is time to change if the normal change day has not arrived.

As you havent had fish in the tank for over a month then your filter will have lost its cycle unless you have been feeding it flake or something?

There are not many cichlids that can live happily in a 10 gallon tank im afraid unless they are shell dwellers.

Do you not know what they are as its important to try and identify them so we can help you more with them.

Sorry i didnt read your first post properly

A pH test might help id the problem as well, as many cichlids are sensitive to lower pH levels.

When you top off the water in your tank, do you take any old water out, or more importantly do a gravel vac?

If you don't remember the names of your cichlids, maybe a picture or even a brief description (shape/color/markings) would help.