Amonia issue...

Jason of Phoenix, AZ asks:

I have a koi tank and my amonia levels are through the roof! i just started the tank i have a fluval fx5 for a 55 gallon tank and tank is three weeks old, i add nitro max every other day have not fed koi for three days i need to get my amonia level from 8.0 to 0.0 help

Since your tank is too young… it is normal to have high levels of ammonia during the first stages. Additionaly koi and other carp in general are "dirty" fish in that they eat allot and produce allot of waste. Because of this you will want to ensure your koi aren't to large for the tank or that there aren't to many koi in the tank. After making these assessments make sure you do a 10% water change every other day for a week and keep using your NitroMax. NitroMax is nitrifying bacteria and it will speed up the cycling process. Keep us posted.

Fish Suicide?

Jess of Phoenix, AZ asks:

I know I'm probably not the most nurturing person, but I don't understand why my fish keep jumping out of the tank. It's the correct temperature, it's not overcrowded or full of incompatible fish, the water is nice and clean, but still, my fish suffer from major depressive episodes.

Is there a special therapist fish I can get to provide help? Tank anti-depressants? Do I need to spend more time with them? Are they trying to go somewhere else, or do they know that they are leaping to their death?

Please help. The last thing the world needs is another sense-less suicide.

Well Jess, it is hard to say, and no, there aren't any therapists for this issue. There are certain kinds of fish that are just prone to this type of behavior. There are seveal kinds of fish that just feel the grass is greener on the other side. Some fish are native to fast flowing water and swim up stream to escape predators. This can result in jumping if the fish is being chased and decides to swim quickly up the inflow of water from the filter and jumps. You didn't mention fish or covers in your question but certain fish will demand a good cover on the aquarium. This is probably the best solution to the problem. Also make sure your fish are all compatible and aren't trying to escape due to a "bully" fish.

Ready to go!

With the launch of our updated website, we wanted to get involved with the aquarium community out there and see if we can answer questions, provide some good advice and showcase your aquariums. So let us know what questions you have and email us your aquarium pics. You just may see yours on our blog.