The test kit should be using liquid ingredients for the test. Test strips are not accurate.
Lapradei Bichir Problem
- Thread starter rayoddballfish
- Start date
Petco should have the drops. You can get a kit with all of what you need (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate) plus more (pH) for cheaper than getting the individual tests.
https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/api-freshwater-master-test-kit
https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/api-freshwater-master-test-kit
That looks like a canister filter? When you change out the filter, don't just change everything out, rinsing it with tap water or you'll kill all of the bacteria and cause a mini cycle if that's not what's already happening. You can rinse any sponges with tap water, but the ceramic media should be rinsed with tank water. Apologies if you already know this.
Hi everyone here is an update, so I did the 75 percent water change and my tank is crystal clear again. Test kit is coming into the mail and I'll use it, but I guess if I already changed the water doesn't that mean the quality should be good? lol. I have also cleaned the filter and it is running well too. I added more decor and my lap seems to be right at home. She is not heavilty breathing anymore, but I haven't fed her yet so idk if she is going to eat. (the other days before the water change she wouldn't eat). I am going to buy some feeders today to entice her, but they will be a temporary thing and I'm going to quarantine them for at least a week. Thanks again to everyone who is helping, I really appreciate it!
Would still wait on giving those feeders. You should give it a couple of days and get that water tested. Then retry a pellet. Better chance now to get it on pellets.
Water quality is good if your nitrates are below 20ppm (using a nitrate liquid test).
Try feeding the lap at night when the lights above the tank are off or when there is no ambient lighting in the room. You could also try in the morning when the lights above the tank is off.
Try feeding the lap at night when the lights above the tank are off or when there is no ambient lighting in the room. You could also try in the morning when the lights above the tank is off.
^^ This. ^^
Just doing a water change doesn't necessarily = good water. Use your test kit already!
It will also help you determine how often and how large your ongoing water changes need to be. With an Oscar, a notoriously messy fish, it's vital to be checking regularly. So happy she seems to be feeling better!
Skimmed through some of the responses.
Honestly no offense but im not surprised the fish isnt thriving. Add some sand, test the water with a liquid test kit and the bloody fins maybe a sign of aggression. Your O may be picking on the poly.
Polys usually try to jump when getting spooked or not feeling comfortable. Lack of substrate and aggression from your O would be my guess.
Im thinking water quality maybe ok since ypur O doesnt seem affected. Does it have hith ?
Honestly no offense but im not surprised the fish isnt thriving. Add some sand, test the water with a liquid test kit and the bloody fins maybe a sign of aggression. Your O may be picking on the poly.
Polys usually try to jump when getting spooked or not feeling comfortable. Lack of substrate and aggression from your O would be my guess.
Im thinking water quality maybe ok since ypur O doesnt seem affected. Does it have hith ?
I don't think my oscar has with because he is eating fine, and I also treated the tank with general cure several times. I added a cave and now my lap doesn't really jump anymore ( last least I haven't seen her jump lately). I was thinking maybe adding a red/darker slate tile on the very bottom, or use construction paper because i don't really want to add anything that will make there be more maintenance. I will consider it tho.
