[JimScap]

Not sure what I have going on here. I'm new to this so here is a short history. On Jan. 6th I got a 44gal pentagon tank, added 25lbs of medium to fine substrate, stress zyme, and stress coat. After 4 days (wish I would have found this forum sooner) I took my water to my LFS, they tested it and informed me that it was perfect.....so I bought 4 cichlids. The first 9 days I had 1 day of cloudiness but it cleared in 1 day and all seemed well. Jan. 19th I tested my water and found I had 2ppm Ammonia in the tank. My LFS reccomended a daily 15-20% water change...which I did for aprox 7 days. Now the ammonia is gone, but my tank is super cloudy and my ice blue zebra has a clamped tail fin. At one point he was almost floating on top on his side but 24 hours later is still alive and eats well. Did I stress these fish out to much? One other thing, my LFS sold me a product called Acurel F...they said it would clear my water in hours, it didn't. The sick fish problem all started after putting that stuff in. Someone help please , I'm not sure where to go from here.

 

[Kerricko]

If you don't have a test kit I would purchase one. If you take the water to the lfs to be tested write down the results so you have a record. I'm not familiar with acurel F but many products state that extra aeration might be needed. This could add to the stress your fish are under. It doesn't sound like your tank has cycled. If you could give results for Nitrite and nitrate along with ammonia it would provide a better idea of whats going on. When doing water changes what type of dechlorinator are you using and also what type of filtration do you have? How often are you feeding? you might want to cut back on feeding till you get things straightened out.

 

[JimScap]

Thanks for the reply. I am currently using a Penguin 200 filter with biowheel. Last check of water was...Ph 7.6, ammonia .25ppm, Nitrite 0ppm, Nitrate 5ppm. I've been feeding twice a day only what they will eat in about 3o seconds. The Stress coat states it removes chlorine and conditions tap water. One thing I left out is I also added 1 tbs of aquarium salt. The cycling thing makes sense....wish I would have read the articles on here before I got my fish.

 

[GTZ]

How long ago was the last water test? Definitely get yourself a test kit and post results, the API liquid kit works well. Sounds like you could still be cycling or you're getting an ammonia reading due to chloramine in your water. Also, post your stocking list.

 

[Glaneon]

On the liquid test kit, for the nitrate - SHAKE the HECK out of the bottle(s).

 

[DJRansome]

I agree, sounds like you are cycling. The first 4 days your tanks was running...no fish or ammonia? If not it could not have cycled then.

Also what are the dimensions of your pentagon tank? Like the building? Or is it a stretched out pentagon? What is the longest dimension?