Need Help with New Cichlid tank!!!

25 posts • Page 2 of 3

Member introductions and random (non-aquarist) topics.


DanDman18
 
Posts: 115
Joined: Mon Jun 20, 2011 12:56 am

by DanDman18

I just thought of one other thing, i know its odd, but it happened to my friend, anyway, what decorations did you put in, because for cichlid tanks they like hiding places, so many people stack rocks, but if you pull them from your yard and don't thougholy clean them there can be harmful elements on them that you wouldn't check for, but the other thing is that some people clean rocks with bleach and don't thoughouly rinse it all off, so those two other thing might be it.


sweetlou
 
Posts: 12
Joined: Tue Aug 09, 2011 11:18 am

by sweetlou

oh and yes I had addeed Cichlid salt/minerals to the tank....just as the LFS recommended along with the instructions on the bottle......I thought that is what was needed in a cichlid tank???


DanDman18
 
Posts: 115
Joined: Mon Jun 20, 2011 12:56 am

by DanDman18

The breathing hard is a sign of stress and can be from many things, it still kind of sounds like lack of oxygen, but i don't think they would show signs that quickly of oxygen deprivation. How hot is your tank too, because at higher temperatures the amount of disolved oxygen decreases


DanDman18
 
Posts: 115
Joined: Mon Jun 20, 2011 12:56 am

by DanDman18

sorry didnt read 81 degress, thats fine i keep mine 80-82 so thats not it either


DanDman18
 
Posts: 115
Joined: Mon Jun 20, 2011 12:56 am

by DanDman18

Yes i will agree with your lfs that a wet/dry filter does add alot of oxygen, so it probably isn;t that


sweetlou
 
Posts: 12
Joined: Tue Aug 09, 2011 11:18 am

by sweetlou

Used all natural stone from a Pond supply store and have many caves....I will post a picture..so it seems like your now stumped like me??


DanDman18
 
Posts: 115
Joined: Mon Jun 20, 2011 12:56 am

by DanDman18

Yeah, pretty much for right now, but i don't want to say something like take out the salt, oh they still died, well try this, oh they died well try this, you know. This is very weird, because you have oxygen from the wet/dry, the toxic levels are good, and even if (not saying you did it wrong) but even if the tank wasn't done cycling they shouldn't die that quickly, you said they were healthy from the fish store, maybe try something like doing a 30-50% water change and try cheaper fish, then when they are good go for cichlids. you said the water is 81 degrees, according to the heater or a thermometer, because in my tank i have the actual heaters set to 76 but the water is actually 82, i know im saying basic and general statements but i don't know what else to say. I will keep thinking because i am very interested myself and would love to see this issue resolved. I stay posted when i think of something else.


sweetlou
 
Posts: 12
Joined: Tue Aug 09, 2011 11:18 am

by sweetlou

I have read on this site that lava rock guttering was safe. Use vinyl gutters and zip tie them together then use 100% pure silcone to place the rocks on the vinyl gutters. Well after having this crazy issue, I looked into vinyl a little more and found that vinyl leaches a chemical called "phthalates' that is highly toxic. Very dissapointed, I put 18 hours into setting this tank up. Oh well I will deal with it when I am ready.


DanDman18
 
Posts: 115
Joined: Mon Jun 20, 2011 12:56 am

by DanDman18

Wow, well i am glad the problem was found, sad that all your work was in vain, and hopeful you try again and get into this hobby. Good luck


Alasse
 
Posts: 993
Joined: Sun May 09, 2010 5:35 am
Location: QLD Australia

by Alasse

All levels are not fine i'm afraid

With those stats....The tank definately wasnt cycled, hadnt even started. If you put all the fish in at once the tank would have very soon gone toxic even without the possible vinyl issue

Need Help with New Cichlid tank!!!

25 posts • Page 2 of 3

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