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Re: Aquarium tragedy was Lotus for Sale/	d0nx-@aol.com
	Apr 13, 2003 09:21 PDT

In a message dated 4/5/2003 7:31:40 AM Pacific Standard Time, Dave wrote:   I doubt the powerhead clogging had anything to do with CO2 levels. If you can give more details perhaps we can explore what happened to avoid it in future? Ok, I know I took forever to reply but it's been crazy at my end. Actually what I said about the pH going down is purely conjecture. I don't carry a pH tester anymore and simply judge the needs of the fish and plants by how they look. ::Shrug:: But here is exactly what I saw. Maybe someone can chime in on what they think went wrong. - Neglected tank and leaves clogged the powerhead - During this time (about 1 week) I only had limited interest in the tank and only dropped in food but didn't really watch the fish for health problems The symptoms - - Powerhead barely moving water - Riccia and Nymphaea daubyeana and zenkerii pearling and growing like crazy - Hygrophila polysperma, Ammania gracilis, Hygrophila difformis had crinkled, deformed and light colored top leaves - Fish condition - all Rummy nosed tetras died, all but 3 Cardinals died, American Flag Fish eventually died, SAE skittish, 3 Amano shrimp died, Molly showed signs of distress I watched the Amano shrimp and American Flag fish literally die in front of me. The shrimp were on their sides with their legs barely moving. The American Flag fish, Molly and remaining tetras had their mouths WIDE open and were cruising the tank lethargically. My guess is that the pH got so low that the water started to literally burn their gills and thus the wide gaping mouth. I'm sure the water was not deprived of oxgyen since there were "pearl" bubbles on all the Riccia and Nymphaea. I've now corrected the situation and making sure that it never happens again. ::Shrug:: Live and learn.

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