[Artanis21]

Anyone have some advice? I have a 40 gallon tank. Two angels, two gouramis, a rainbow shark and an algae eater. Lately the algae in the tank has EXPLODED. None of the fish are eating and they spend all day just floating at the top. Not gasping for air. Just sitting there. They all stopped being active and none of them are eating. Obviously not eating is a sign of some sort of stress. I just don't know what?!?! I feel terrible. Water temp is 78F and I just did a 25 percent water change yesterday. No improvement. All water test I can think of are coming back normal! The only thing I can see is the water is slightly pushing towards hard. I lost all my green neon tetras in a week and one gourami. Obviously I don't want to just start dumping chemicals into the aquarium in hopes of a solution.

 

[susankat]

Welcome. Can you give parameters in numbers?
Ph
ammonia
nitrites
nitrates
Is there enough air flow in the tank, like air stones?

 

[Artanis21]

This is the report I got at the local PetSmart during the free water test. Which closely lined up with my own test kit at home. I do have a bubble stone, but it does not run for more than a couple hours each day

 

[Emeraldtarpon]

Hi Artanis21,
Gouramis breath from the surface occassionally,thats normal...but are they doing it more than usual?
Are the Angels taking air from the surface too?
If this is the case,you may have low oxygen levels in your tank and it would be a good idea to introduce plenty of air (susankat asked if you have good air flow) - but get rid of that algae first,it's an oxygen thief.
Its not the 'norm' to have low oxygen levels in a tank but it can happen...just a thought,hope it helps.

 

[Gamegurl]

It looked to me like your alkalinity was pretty high, what is your PH and has there been a significant change there?
What is the PH from your tap water?
The fish do look like they are gasping for air, why only run the air stone for a couple hours a day? Mine are going 24/7.
Do you have alot of direct sunlight on your tank? That will totally explode your algae. Do you have any algae eaters?
When you get the tank settled I'd suggest some algae eaters as well.
Best of luck

 

[Emeraldtarpon]

Art, i forgot to mention...you'll need to do a large water change (50%) after removing as much of the algae as possible (check your filter too).
Followed 2-3 days later with another 50% water change but again, make sure youve gotten rid of as much of the algae as possible when doing so (there will be a little hard work involved but it will definately be worth it).
I cant tell if youve got any water flow in your tank but you should have a moderate flow atleast.
Algae has the potential to explode in still water...especially if your tank lighting is being left on too long.
Lighting - Ive found 8-10 hrs a day seems to keep the tank and its inhabitants healthy and it also keeps the algae under control.
A moderate flow will also help your filtration to pick up unwanted material and keep your water cleaner and hence, your parameters more stable which in turn, will help to control your algae problem.

Please note - As i dont know what filtration etc you are running, its quite hard to zero it down to a particular thing but the above info should improve your situation...Cheers

 

[Artanis21]

Thanks I'll try all that. I woke up to two dead fish this morning. Thankfully my large angel is still alive. I do have a rather large Siamese algae eater actually and it's either not eating at all, or it just can't keep up. But I'll do the water changes. I absolutely want to save my large angel if I can

 

[Artanis21]

This is todays water test before a 50 percentage change...

 

[Artanis21]

Thanks I'll try all that. I woke up to two dead fish this morning. Thankfully my large angel is still alive. I do have a rather large Siamese algae eater actually and it's either not eating at all, or it just can't keep up. But I'll do the water changes. I absolutely want to save my large angel if I can

Thanks I'll try all that. I woke up to two dead fish this morning. Thankfully my large angel is still alive. I do have a rather large Siamese algae eater actually and it's either not eating at all, or it just can't keep up. But I'll do the water changes. I absolutely want to save my large angel if I can

 

[Gamegurl]

Where is the Ammonia test? Is that at zero?

 

[Artanis21]

Yes zero

 

[susankat]

Looking at all the bubbles on top, you don't have enough water flow.

 

[Emeraldtarpon]

I agree with susankat...I've never seen the surface covered in bubbles like that...its almost like your water is stagnating.
Those bubbles would probably be destroying your much needed Oxygen exchange with the surface of the water...that needs sorting RIGHT away (please do that water change ASAP).
Once you have completed the water change, you need to get a powerhead in that tank to get the water moving asap.
In fact,a decent sized internal filter would be a better option as a good flow combined with the extra filtration should help big time.
H.O.B filters are excellent but they need a little assistance when it comes to creating a flow in the tank.
A lot of people that use H.O.B filters also use a powerhead with them (or internal filter) to create a better flow in the tank.
The waterfall effect of the H.O.B's doesnt move the water around the tank enough...its their one and only fault but this can be rectified very easily with a powerhead/internal filter.
Im very sorry to hear you lost some fish 😟 hopefully we can help you save your Angel.

 

[Artanis21]

So the bubbles are floating across the surface originating from where the bubble stone is on the opposite side of the tank. If I turn the bubble stone off, surface bubbles disappear.

 

[Gamegurl]

The bubbles should be dissipating in the water.

 

[Emeraldtarpon]

GG's right...there must be some sort of skin/film over the top of the water that's holding the bubbles there and not allowing them to pop instantly...that would be causing very poor oxygen exchange.
Id go straight to a 50% water change at this point...get that stuff outta there and get some fresh,oxygenated water back into your tank.
Even though your water parameter tests were ok-ish...we have other problems going on here.
The algae is going to have to be removed entirely but at this stage,i would proritise a 50% water change.
If there's any chance of introducing a moderate flow,please do...it will make a world of difference.

 

[Artanis21]

Did a 50 percentage change this morning. Already noticing a difference. Water looks much clearer and the fish are finally starting to swim around a bit again and showing signs of energy. Only concern is when a safe time to attempt feeding would be. Feeding before, nothing was being eaten and just being left to breakdown in the gravel. Used a gravel vacuum as well to remove debris. Hopefully there's more improvement overnight. As the water parameters are coming back within range, the girl at the pet store this afternoon said worst case scenario is some type of infection in the tank. We'll see what happens. Thank you everyone for the input! im encouraged by the subtle changes I'm already noticing after the water changes and cleaning.

 

[Emeraldtarpon]

That's awesome news Art,looking good my friend
Try a little food,just to see if there is any interest.Make sure to remove/vac the food out if it drops to the bottom (atleast until they start feeding properly..it will help to maintain your water clarity etc).
I dont think you have an infection,more a case of highly stressed fish (it can cause all sorts of grief).
That will level off as the fish feel more comfortable in their new environment.
Im sure this goes for everyone here...We're always happy to help Art and glad the results have been positive.
Enjoy your success : )