Death..

[rjm2653]

So after 4 batches of fish and a new filter things are still dying so im starting to think my waterproofing paint wasn't fully cured. It was bare water based waterproof. So theoretically cant i just drain all my water and let it dry for a few weeks?

[rjm2653]

I'm really confused by the whole ordeal. I used Behr water based waterproofer and i let i dry for a few days and i used organic potting soil for my plants. The soil did have little white balls in it but i didnt think that mattered since its organic

[elly]

Sorry about the fish deaths. It might not have been fully cured. Or maybe the fish could have been sick already. I don't know. Also those little white balls (vermiculite), could the fish have somehow swallowed some of them? If you plan to put frogs in the tank, I'd suggest a different type of soil and making sure you get all the vermiculite out since those things are an impaction risk.

[deranged chipmunk]

Sounds like a case of an uncycled tank, compounded by multiple deaths, resulting in high ammonia levels, which killed off the new fish, which raised ammonia levels more, ect


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela

[rjm2653]

Sorry about the fish deaths. It might not have been fully cured. Or maybe the fish could have been sick already. I don't know. Also those little white balls (vermiculite), could the fish have somehow swallowed some of them? If you plan to put frogs in the tank, I'd suggest a different type of soil and making sure you get all the vermiculite out since those things are an impaction risk.

So you think I would be okay If I just drain the tank remove that soil and wait a while to give it some more drying time. Also I use that soil in my plants so its possible that when the pots drained that vermiculite leached into the water... What soil should I use instead and do you have any suggestions on how long to let it sit? Thanks a lot

[deranged chipmunk]

Vermiculite is an inert substance added to soils to create air pockets and promote drainage. It does not leech chemicals into the soil or water. It is not a time release capsule of any sort. It's just less expensive, lighter alternative for soil companies to use. The same goes for perlite.


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela

[rjm2653]

Well I dont think water cycling is the problem. I used the water from my already established aquarium

[deranged chipmunk]

Yeah, there's your problem. Water does not carry enough bacteria to cycle a tank properly. Either previously seeded filter media or substrate will carry enough bacteria to transfer and start cycling a tank. Then you are still looking at 4-6 weeks for it to cycle and about 6 months for it to fully mature.


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela

[rjm2653]

So you dont think its from my paint possibly not being cured? A portion of the foam is underwater

[rjm2653]

The water also tested fine at the local petco except nitrates were high

[rjm2653]

Im not trying to be rude im just worried because I have tadpoles in my aquarium and idk how long before they get legs and need land

[deranged chipmunk]

Could it have been from the waterproofed you used? Sure. We throw brand names like drylok around because they are proven. Behr has not been proven to be safe. But knowing what I do about waterproofers, it most likely is. Once it dries, it is basically cured.

I have been keeping aquariums for over 30 years, and in my experience, when something like this pops up, it's been due to poor husbandry practices. The tank wasn't properly cycled, which killed off the first batch of fish. Once a fish dies, high doses of ammonia are introduced into the tank, which what little bacteria may be in the tank, couldn't handle. Then the next batch went into an ammonia filled tank, they had no chance. The snowball effect just increases from there.

As far as petco testing the water, well, all I will say about that is buy yourself a good quality master test kit (API is an excellent kit, check the expiration date first), and become proficient at using it. Anyone who owns a glass box with any water in it should own one.


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela

[rjm2653]

Could it have been from the waterproofed you used? Sure. We throw brand names like drylok around because they are proven. Behr has not been proven to be safe. But knowing what I do about waterproofers, it most likely is. Once it dries, it is basically cured.

I have been keeping aquariums for over 30 years, and in my experience, when something like this pops up, it's been due to poor husbandry practices. The tank wasn't properly cycled, which killed off the first batch of fish. Once a fish dies, high doses of ammonia are introduced into the tank, which what little bacteria may be in the tank, couldn't handle. Then the next batch went into an ammonia filled tank, they had no chance. The snowball effect just increases from there.

As far as petco testing the water, well, all I will say about that is buy yourself a good quality master test kit (API is an excellent kit, check the expiration date first), and become proficient at using it. Anyone who owns a glass box with any water in it should own one.


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela

So I went ahead and got some stability and I'll let it cycle for a while.. Should I add any danios or anything to speed up the process?

[deranged chipmunk]

That's up to you. I never try to speed up cycling. I don't use stability or any other products, because I only use seeded media/filters.


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela

[rjm2653]

That's up to you. I never try to speed up cycling. I don't use stability or any other products, because I only use seeded media/filters.


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela

So lets say his doesnt work and my issue turns out to be that waterproofer not fully cured. wouldnt just draining the tank and letting it dry for a few weeks help?

[deranged chipmunk]

If it is the waterproofer leeching chemicals in the tank, it should be removed and replaced using a proven, safe product. But I would bet on cycling being the issue.


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela

[rjm2653]

If it is the waterproofer leeching chemicals in the tank, it should be removed and replaced using a proven, safe product. But I would bet on cycling being the issue.


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela

Thanks a lot bill!

[deranged chipmunk]

No problem. Just remember, there are some things in life that just shouldn't be rushed. Quarantining animals, cycling tanks, a good steak and a fine tequila are tops on my list lol


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela

[rjm2653]

No problem. Just remember, there are some things in life that just shouldn't be rushed. Quarantining animals, cycling tanks, a good steak and a fine tequila are tops on my list lol


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela

So if it isn't cycling Im going to have to basically start over. So how will I know when it's cycled? just wait 4 weeks or try a fish?

[deranged chipmunk]

That's where a test kit comes in. You monitor levels. Ammonia will spike, then nitrites, then nitrates. There should be a few threads on it in the aquatic frog sections that you may want to go over


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela