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Hi All.

I'm relatively new to this board, so I've put the specifics of my aquarium in my profile.

Anywayz - I have issues with things living in my tank that I don't want - pests, parasites, bacteria (of the non-nitrifying variety) etc.

The haze is like a cloudy whitish haze that varies in intensity, but seems there more often than not.I'm suspecting cyanobacteria, as its exacerbated if I leave the light on too long, or if I overfeed (even slightly).

I change 20% of my water at least once every 2 weeks, and make sure the carbon in my filter is replaced monthly.

I have had a spate of fish disease, and have also had infestations of hydras, nematode worms and also algae that seems to grow back faster than it should.

Anywayz, I was considering investing in some sort of UV steriliser, but I've never known anyone who has owned one.

Will it help? Some reports seem to indicate that it would, but its a big investment to make based on a few reports :-P

Any info would be very much appreciated :-)


Brett C,
AKL NZ

right off i would up the water change regiment to once a week but before getting to that let me ask what ever other person is gona ask.

Tank size? Filtration? Latest test results? how long has the tank been cycled? what fish and how many in the tank? any recent meds if so what and how much? Last fish added and when? any info you can add could help.

a UV is a sollution to an incurable problem and they are very expensive. lets try to find the problem and try to fix it for free or short money before you run out and blow money on a UV.

Thanks for the quick response. :-)

I posted some details in my profile, but here they are with the test results and other details:

Tank is 2ft x 1ft x 1ft, and has a capacity of 15 US Gal/56.75 Metric Litres.

Filtration is a Resun MagicJet Magi-700 filter - claims to be good for up to 200L.. Has a 700 L/hr throughput, but fairly minimal media.

Latest test results - no detectable ammonia, 0.05ppm nitrites (if that - hard to read when it gets so low), 5ppm nitrates.

Tank has been established for 4.5 months, cycled in maybe the first 1.5 months.

I have medicated a few times (As I mentioned, I have a disease issue). Most recent was MelaFix, which was ended maybe 2 to 2.5 weeks ago. Several water changes have been performed since. I understand MelaFix is also susceptible to carbon filtration, so it's my hope that its concentration is now negligible, although obviously I can't prove that.

In terms of livestock and times of addition:

6 Cardinal Tetras (Added a week ago)
4 Redwag Platys (One has been in the tank from the start, the other three are her offspring - the male died of an unknown disease)
2 Clown Loaches (Just small ones - not yet grown - introduced to control a major snail infestation. Have been in the tank for maybe 3 months)
2 Dwarf Gouramis (One added maybe 2.5 --> 3 months ago, the other added a week ago).

I know the tank is a tad overstocked, but these issues have been occuring from the start when there were just the original two platys :-( :-(

Last edited by geesloper at 10-Jan-2005 20:49

Hi, having a tank with problems is a nightmare.

First you will have move those clowns. they need big tanks. The sooner your return or find a new larger home the better. Their is no alternative but to not have the clowns in that tank.
Also how much gravel is their in the tank? If overfeeding and clouding on wc is a problem remove some gravel. Keep at 3/4 - inch max to make for easier cleaning.
Definitely up the cleaning. Are you vacing the gravel?
Most disease can be related back to poor water quality. Keep the stocking level at comfortable level. If you like wc changing and vac and filter maintaince and so on, you can run to the limit of overstock. But if you like casual tank maintaince, keep a stock level that will allow this. It is up to.
To many people leave the hobby after experiencing nightmare tanks.
I would not personnally spend the money on the UV sterlizier for that tank. Wouldn't you rather spend the money on a larger tank.
The 6 tetras and the gourami that was added week would have most likely caused a mini cycle. Whening adding new fish, it should be done gradually to not overload bio-filter and cause lethal mini-cycle that would lead to death and disease.
Most important have fun........openwater



Last edited by openwater at 10-Jan-2005 21:47

Last edited by openwater at 10-Jan-2005 21:52

Hi.

I know the clowns need a much larger tank, but I've got nowhere to put them at the mo, and the fish store won't take fish back. :-P They're still very small, and the staff told me I should be able to keep them for a few years before they get big enough to need moving... Although that was just their opinion :-P

I have about 1" of gravel, but it's got a huge grain... Maybe its allowing food to slip between the cracks? I don't know.

I vacuum as much of the gravel as I can get at (One corner has too many plants to clean without bruising roots) whenever I do a water change (at least once every two weeks)

I am aware of the nitrogen cycle implications - this last set of fish was the biggest I have ever added in one go. I only put so many in because they were purchased with a gift voucher (Christmas) and the LFS doesn't give change on gift vouchers :-P

One point regarding upping my maintenace - the cloudiness seems to be exacerbated when I clean the tank - I suspect this is due to the sediment the cleaning stirs up? The water can take up to 72 hours after vacuuming to clear - I'm assuming this is not normal?