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Trying to revive a sick fish tank2007-11-24 23:40:25

I had a tank months ago with major New Tank Syndrome. All of my fish died, one had Ick and died. The only thing left in my tank is a small albino african frog which withstood all the new tank syndrome. For a long time my tank was just nasty cruddy and smelly. Recently it has completely cleared up on it's own and has been clear for about 2 weeks now. (The frog is still in there). Does this mean my tank has "Cycled"? Is it safe for me to try to add fish again (probably just one for now)? Someone suggested changing the gravel because of the Ick but that would mean emptying my tank. I don't want to do this if this would cause an "uncycling" Any suggestions? Thanks

Answers:

Ick is a fungus that occurs naturally in all fish tanks but only gets to be a problem when nutrients are too high (nitrogen from waste, i.e. poop). Take a sample of your tank water to petsmart or petco, they'll test it for free and recommend what chemicals you should get to improve your water quality. I would recommend buying some beneficial bacteria. They come in a bottle like all the other fish chemicals.

as for new fish, get some tropical fish like tetras, mollies, etc. goldfish are very messy and you'll probably have the same problem again.

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Start out with hardy fish, like tetras.

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I agree with taking a water sample to a fish store. I disagree that ick is a fungus. Ick is a parasite.

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Keep in mind the what occurs in your tank is bacteria break down ammonia into nitrites, then other bacteria break down nitrites to nitrates. Ammonia, and nitrates at very toxic, and nitrates much less so. What's happend is the bacteria have converted the ammonia, and nitrites to nitrates. Most of these bacteria have now starved to death as they only have the food, and waste from the frog. What you need to do is as follows:

0)Get a water test kit that tests for ammonia, and nitrates.

1)Get a cheap plastic gravel vaccum.

2)Use the gravel vacuum to clean your gravel and remove 20% of your water every day untill you've gotten the nitrate levels below 10 ppm.

3)Add 1 fish per 15 gallons per week.

4)Do weekly cleaning to replace 20% of your water.

5)Watch your ammonia levels. If they start rising do a 20% water change every day till they stop.

PS- Ick is a parasite not a fungus. I'd reccomend treating your tank with an ich med. Just be sure the med doesn't say it's bad for frogs.