HALP! 2 Fish acting weird.

[40GallonsOfDoom]

OK, I have a 40g tank. Ammonia level seems to be fine. The temp is around 72-74. Every other fish is fine active and responsive to food ect. I have 5 or 6 ghost shrimp,5 Neons, and 4 Gouramis and 1 Pleco. 2 Bala Sharks died after acting the same way the neon has been. but that was 2 weeks ago. 1 Pleco I just found floating last week. The Gourami in question is just hanging out half sideways at the top of the tank. (see pics) and the neon is facing nose downish near the filter intake. swimming but not responsive. If you get near the Gourami he swims down kinda but soon returns to the same place and position.
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[supadave]

1. How long have you had this tank setup ?
2. When was the last water change ?
3. Did you use a dechlorinator when water change was performed ?
4. What is the filtration setup ?

I'll wait until you answer the above questions before I say anything . I don't want to give the wrong advice .

[40GallonsOfDoom]

1. 1 month or so.
2. about 2-1/2 weeks ago, but i am doing one tonight.
3. Yes and an ammonia getter-ridder of-er and added the Aquarium Salt recommended for a 40G tropical. When I set it up I used a some Instant-Setup stuff. I can get names for all of this stuff when i get home this evening.
4. Ugg I forget the name but its a canister filter. Ohh here it is, Aquarium Pharma RENA FilStar xP3 Canister Filter.

[40GallonsOfDoom]

I am concerned because this happened to a few of my Sacri-fishal fish when i first set up. I just assumed it was because of the tank not being cycled.

[supadave]

1. 1 month or so.
2. about 2-1/2 weeks ago, but i am doing one tonight.
3. Yes and an ammonia getter-ridder of-er and added the Aquarium Salt recommended for a 40G tropical. When I set it up I used a some Instant-Setup stuff. I can get names for all of this stuff when i get home this evening.
4. Ugg I forget the name but its a canister filter. Ohh here it is, Aquarium Pharma RENA FilStar xP3 Canister Filter.

Okay...I'm starting to think that your tank may not have been cycled when you added the fish . Or either since your initial setup..the tank has gone through a mini cycle . Either way ..your fish may be suffering from what is known as " new tank syndrome" . If this is the case....then basically your water is toxic to your fish . Do you have the Master Test kit ? If so, you should test the water for Nitrates and Nitrites , also . If you don't have the Master Test kit...you can take a water sample to Petsmart and they will test it for free . I'm also concerned about this... " ammonia getter-ridder of-er and added the Aquarium Salt " ...plus the dechlorinator that you use . In my opinion.....that's too many chemicals in your tank . Start using Prime as your dechlorinator and forget the rest of that stuff . The less you add to your water....The Better . As for your filtration , you selected a great filter . I have several Rena XP3's and they have been running non stop for four years without a single problem .

[supadave]

BTW....if it does turn out that your tank has not cycled yet..... then you have a couple solutions . You can either test your water daily and perform water changes daily until your water parameters get in check . Or you can find someone who has an already established tank that can give you some used bio media fresh from the filter . Both are going to require you to closely monitor your water parameters..just the latter will jump start things much quicker .

[40GallonsOfDoom]

HAHA, Ok from what I see here you are saying "You are doing it all wrong, Nice Filter". I will be working on this tonight. I suppose I get to take a trip to Petsmart for the master tester. Or is it just as cheap at Fish Gallery? Because I need to go there to get the UV light I need for my other tank.

[IvanSanchez]

How much salt are you adding to your tank? Salinity?
IMO i'd stop the whole salt deal and just plain dechlorinated tap, unless there's something i'm missing from aquarium salt in FW tanks...

Also, +1 on Prime. It's all you need.

I would suggest, since it could be NTS, to buy StressZyme when you go to the LFS. It'll help with establishing your beneficial bacteria in a nice, speedy manner. I use it all the time when i clean my bacteria clogged sponges/biomax and also when needing to make large, about 80-90% water changes. Just to be safe.

Keep doing water changes. 30ish% everyday or every other day.

[IvanSanchez]

Oh and BTW! Just to save you money if you feel you can wait and make trips to the closest LFS....
Buying the master test online is waaaaayyyyyy cheaper that locally. I believe they're around $30+ at LFS. Online it's around 20. http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.co...54&pcatid=4454
UV may be cheaper too. Your call though. :)

[40GallonsOfDoom]

Ok this is odd. Neon = DOA this morning. Gourami = MIA. Did 3/4 water change. PH was 7.6 So I see why the little guys were upset. I went ahead last night and got the Master Test Kit from City Pets $29. We went by Fish Gallery, I love the new store. I just wish I didnt see the cost of the building in the prices of everything. Master Kit was $45. The 9w UV light for my other tank was around $50 or so, 30 at City. Will post again with everything I have for my tanks, including chems and food.

[40GallonsOfDoom]

Ohh after 3/4 change I only added declorinator.
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[40GallonsOfDoom]

When they look too stressed out I give them some of this.

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[IvanSanchez]

I've heard of this routine. Need to get this soon!

When they look too stressed out I give them some of this.

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[40GallonsOfDoom]

Second Gourami is acting like the last before it disappeared.

[IvanSanchez]

How does the bacterial growth look like?