Author Topic: My dead and dying fish (Read 14199 times) 28 replies

Helen · « **Reply #20 on:** February 18, 2015, 11:12:43 PM »

Don't be too disheartened. I didn't do very well with fish most of the first year I had my tank. With hindsight, I think it is because I live in a soft water area, that has virtually no nitrates in the tap water. Although I tried to buy soft water fish, I don't think I chose the right ones and they suffered from a lack of calcium. Because it also affected the plants, they weren't doing very well either and so I don't think my water quality was very stable. It wasn't bad, just not consistent nutrient levels. And I could never get my tank sufficiently stocked with fish, because I felt so guilty that I was killing them. But I worked on identifying the nutrient that was lowest reading and slowly got things sorted. Then I suddenly realised I'd not had a casualty for months. I get so much enjoyment from watching my fish and how they behave that I am so glad I didn't give up.

Mind you, it's not the cheap hobby my husband thought it would be when he bought me the tank as a present.

Sanjo · « **Reply #21 on:** February 19, 2015, 09:33:54 AM »

"Mind you, it's not the cheap hobby my husband thought it would be when he bought me the tank as a present "

Well we didn't buy the setup, the grandsons did but it does seem as if I'm spending a lot of money on it. The other half is passing comments on that and he doesn't know how much I've spent as I've been VERY sneaky !!

I am very disheartened at the moment but I expect it will pass. Got a lot of other things going on too including arthritis in my foot which is keeping me awake so I'm also a bit tired.

Sue · « **Reply #22 on:** February 19, 2015, 03:42:37 PM »

Sanjo - did you use the whitespot med? If you haven't added it yet, don't. Leaving the tank without fish for a while should get rid of all the things the med that MA gave you is designed to kill because with out any fish to infect the bugs will die.
The reason is that it is better for shrimps if you don't add the med, should you decide to go down that route, though a few water changes should get rid of the med if you have already added it.

Sanjo · « **Reply #23 on:** February 19, 2015, 03:54:50 PM »

I've only added the first dose Sue. ~Leave the rest then?
What with going away, it's going to be at least 4 weeks before we are ready to think about fish or shrimp.
In fact, the tank wouldn't be mature enough in another month will it as it will only be about 2 1/2 months all together

Sue · « **Reply #24 on:** February 19, 2015, 03:59:49 PM »

Don't add any more, and do a few water changes to remove what you have added. Once a week is good practice for when you do have livestock.

Sanjo · « **Reply #25 on:** February 19, 2015, 04:00:19 PM »

Thanks Sue

Fiona · « **Reply #26 on:** March 05, 2015, 12:49:18 PM »

You have my deepest sympathy, it's an awful feeling when you lose an animal you're caring for and having lost about 60% of rather expensive stock recently I understand your anguish. Enjoy your holiday and then have a rethink before you decide to give up completely on fish is my advice.

Sanjo · « **Reply #27 on:** March 05, 2015, 06:34:26 PM »

Thanks Fiona for the kind words.

I bought some plants from Ebay the last lot arriving yesterday so today I planned to redo the nano tank.
I needed the other half out of the way though as I knew I was going to be using an awful lot of water washing the Tetra and the gravel (we are on a water meter)

Fortunately it was a lovely day so first off he went for a long walk and then I persuaded him to go into town to Wetherspoons and get himself a meal and a pint. Worked a treat!!!
House was still a tip when he got back but I got all the sneaky water business out of the way before he got back, and we are all straight now

Finally finished the main tank and realised I had some plants and Tetra substrate left and it seemed a shame to waste it so I planted up what was the quarantine tank and I have them side by side and I'm quite pleased with the way they turned out.

I am still "feeding" the tank with ammonia just on the off chance that we will be going the fish route when we get back from holiday.

Just need the plants to behave and to start growing. All low light plants (well, with the possible exception of the dwarf hairgrass which I thought was low light but Richard says might be difficult - we'll see)

Fiona · « **Reply #28 on:** March 05, 2015, 11:45:39 PM »

I'm glad to see you sounding much more cheerful

I got a lot of pleasure out of aquatic gardening before I put fish in so I know where you're coming from. Good luck with the hair grass I found it a complete nightmare and gave up in the end..for now anyways. Never say never is my motto

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My Dead And Dying Fish

My Dead And Dying Fish

Author Topic: My dead and dying fish (Read 14199 times) 28 replies

Helen

Re: My dead and dying fish

Sanjo

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Sue

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Sanjo

Re: My dead and dying fish

Sue

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Sanjo

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Fiona

Re: My dead and dying fish

Sanjo

Re: My dead and dying fish

Fiona

Re: My dead and dying fish

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