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- Health & Wellbeing
I have basic aquarium at home, since 2 days all are not active and seen abnormal, shark, gold, koi are all having bleeding on their body without any reason i know. Suddenly at one time continuously fishes getting die, even I changed water at overnigh
I'm sorry you are having difficulties with your aquarium. There are several issues that should be dealt with right now. They are water chemistry, aquarium size and choice/number of fish. Any new aquarium should be set up and, ideally, run empty for several weeks (usually 4-6 weeks). This is so beneficial bacteria have an opportunity to populate the substrate and filter. These bacteria are necessary to break down wastes that fish will produce. The technical phrase for this is "establishing the Nitrogen cycle". These bacteria will break down wastes into ammonia then nitrites then nitrates. Nitrates can then dissipate or be absorbed/used by live plants. In high enough concentrations, ammonia and nitrites are toxic and can kill fish. Cycling a tank with fish is possible but it increases the risk of loss. Water chemistry should be checked every few days using a liquid home test kit. A water sample can be submitted for testing , but is not as convenient as testing yourself. Most pet sto
Updated on August 12th, 2025
- Health & Wellbeing
We have added fish to our newly set up aquarium twice now and both times the fish were dead or dying within 24 hours. The pH is at the proper level. The tank was filled with spring water. Why do our fish keep dying?
It is possible the tank has not cycled properly which results in high ammonia and nitrite levels which can kill fish. Allow the tank to run, without fish, for at least 4-6 weeks. During this time, use a home test kit or submit a water sample for testing every few days. The local Petco may do this for free or for a small fee. What you are looking for is to have ammonia and nitrites at 0 ppm and nitrates at 20ppm or less. pH can hover around 7 for most community fish. Avoid large, rapid swings in pH though. What is happening in the tank during this time is that beneficial bacteria are populating the gravel/substrate and the filter. These bacterial populations are responsible for the Nitrogen Cycle. This cycle breaks down wastes from fish, uneaten food and plant matter into by-products that are filtered out or dissipate. You can "cycle" a tank with fish, however this increases the risk of loss. Once your tank has cycled, you can add fish. You will still need to monitor water chemistry a
Updated on August 12th, 2025
- Health & Wellbeing
Hello, can you help me identify this plant please, the people at the store didn't know the species. Also is my aquarium good
Thanks for reaching out about your aquarium. Sorry not very good at botany but there should be tropical fish clubs that might help in identification. But comments about your tank. First, not sure if light penetration will be good for a plant that low in the water column. Secondly, the balanced rock formation looks tenuous, and might fall. Good luck.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
- Health & Wellbeing
My fish is laying down at the bottom of the tank.
If persistent this is a very concerning but generic sign, which requires a logic but quite radical approach. Begin by submitting a water sample for quality testing. Most pet stores will do this for free or a nominal fee. High ammonia levels, PH imbalances may be responsible for that. Oxygen concentration and quality of the filters should be determined as well. If water quality is good and there are no major imbalances, your fish should get examined to look for any sign of bacterial/fungal infection and eventually water should be treated. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
- Health & Wellbeing
I got 3 zebra danios and 2 leopard danios at petco and in about a day of having them one died. the next day another dies with a strange white spot growing on it. it was not like cotton through which I hear is a disease. my tank is a 20 gallon and be
Anytime there is an unexpected loss of fish, water chemistry should be checked. Use a home test kit ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/api-freshwater-master-test-kit# ) or submit a water sample for testing. Most pet stores will do this for free or for a small fee. Confirm an absence ( 0 ppm ) of ammonia and nitrites with a nitrate level of 20 ppm. pH can range between 6.5 and 8, water temp should be 65 F to 75 F. If chemistry and water quality are within normal parameters, then illness or aggression would be other reasons for the loss. It is always recommended to quarantine fish in a separate tank for 2-4 weeks prior to adding them to the main tank. During this time, they can be treating for infection or parasites. I am sorry for the loss of your fish.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
