help with a sick cichlid that has lost its color and stopped swimming and eating.

[azulwave]

I'm really worried about my fish and I'd love some advice. I've got a 70L tank that's about two weeks old, and I've already lost one fish. Now it looks like I'm going to lose another. I set up the tank with six cichlids - two sunnygolds, two electric blues, and two black ones with white spots (I'm not actually sure what they're called).

I haven't tested the water conditions yet, but I've been using all the stuff the fish store recommended to keep the ammonia, nitrate, and pH levels in check. I've also done a 50% water change since setting up the tank. I'm not convinced it's a water quality issue, though, since four of the fish seem happy and active.

The first fish to die was a sunnygold, about a week ago. He was really active to start with, but then one morning he was just lying on the bottom of the tank, not eating, and breathing really fast. He'd only swim if another fish came near, but he didn't seem to be getting bullied or anything. He died that night.

Since then, the other fish have been a bit less active and are hiding more often, but they still seem healthy and come up to the surface to eat. However, tonight I found the smallest fish looking really unwell - same symptoms as the first fish, but he's also lost a lot of his colour (he's a black one that's now grey). I gave him a salt bath for five minutes and have separated him from the others.

I'm not sure he'll make it, but I want to make sure the others don't die too. I was planning to introduce more fish, but I don't want to risk them dying as well. I've been reading about fish bloat, and it seems like it could be a possibility. Any advice would be really appreciated - please and thank you.

[Asteron]

I'm really worried it might be something to do with the tank not being cycled yet - it's only been two weeks, after all. I think I'd try changing a big chunk of the water right now and then keep doing it every day for a bit.

Also, I'd get a water test kit as soon as possible, that way you can see exactly what's going on with the water. I know you said you put in all the stuff the fish store recommended, but it's always good to double-check, right?

[nerdy_9]

I'm pretty sure it's ammonia poisoning from an uncycled tank - classic beginner's mistake.

[digger9]

Sounds like a classic case of an uncycled tank. If rehoming the fish or taking them back to the store isn't an option, I'd recommend reading up on fish-in cycling on this forum - there's some great advice here.

Best of luck with this situation.

[flinta]

Your tank's also way too small for African cichlids, unless you're planning an upgrade soon. The fish are likely stressed from the cramped space, making them more prone to illness. I'd recommend researching the minimum tank size requirements for your fish to ensure you can provide them with a healthy environment.

[goldfinch]

Check out the beginners resource centre in my signature, it's got some useful info that might help you out with your current situation.

[azulwave]

I've done some research now and I'm shocked the pet store didn't mention this to me. I thought I'd done the right thing by buying that quick setup mix the guy recommended - he assured me it would take care of the ammonia and nitrate levels. Clearly, that 'quick fix' didn't quite work out as planned.

[flinta]

I agree with the advice given, daily 50% water changes are a must until your water parameters are stable. Investing in a test kit is essential to monitor the water conditions.