Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Yesterday I was not the brightest. I have 29 gall. tank (w/ Fluval 105), that until yesterday, was in need of a water change. So I did a 25% water change(I know, I know... that ain't the worst). Did it w/ all the accompanying testing and adjusting(aquarium salt{CaCl}, Stress Coat, etc). Then I had a REAL bright idea. The tank was alkaline (7.6), so I thought a drop in pH would be an improvement.
The tank holds 1 Tiger Oscar, 2 Silver Dollars, 1 Tire track Eel, an African Giant Filter Shrimp(Atya gabonensis and a juvie Convict. The alkilinity was within all the species tolerance limits, but I thought evryone would be more comfy w/ a lower pH. So I (... get ready for it) added some red wine vinegar (30 ml in 30 gall). OK ok, U gotta understand there is a WHOLE LOTTA (bleep) CHANGIN in my life... the exact chemistry didn't seem important at the moment. Long story short... pH droped from 7.6 to 6.4 in a day! I came in the next morning to find 1 dead Tire track eel and everyone else gasping/gulping.
I immediately tested the H2O. Thats when I found out the pH as well as elev. nitrite levels (> 5 ppm) and elev. nitrate levels. But no ammonia.
I immed. added some Amquel and did a partial H2O change (10%). After a repeat dose, the nitrite and nitrate levels are down but evryone is still gulping. What's goin on? Did the acetic acid somehow "burn" their gills? Or was there an more than just acetic acid in the RWV? Help (for their sake).

You are right, that was not the brightest thing to do, but at least you realize that now. That's the first step. Plus, now I know what happens if you add red wine vinegar to your tank.

Anwyays, you should add an air stone or two to help the fish gather oxygen. I'm not sure why they are gasping at the surface, but I do know that means they need more oxygen. It is possible that the acidity of the RWV did burn parts of them, but it is also possible it didn't. Also, it is possible that your fish will start to jump out of the water (a sign of pH imbalance), so if you don't have a lid I would recommend getting one. I would do another 10% water change say tomorrow, and then maybe another come Monday. Test your water with every water change (giving it at least a couple hours after the change). Your initial 25% water change is not all that bad unless you do that every week. Your average tank needs a 20% water change biweekly.

I know there has to be some sort of yeast in the RWV so it is possible that the yeast is messing with the fish as well. Just thought of that one. Keep an eye on everyone, and keep me posted. Try the air stones and water changes. Other than that there's not much you can do. Best of luck.
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Phishie
Site Coordinator

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."