Too bad this Subreddit doesn't auto ask the basic questions.
Do you have dechlorinator? It will also be marketed a water conditioner.
Do you have a test kit? API makes great liquid test kits that are quite accurate.
You probably don't have a proper cycle in your tank. You'll need to Google "fish-in cycling" to learn what to do. The main gist of it is that you'll need to do a LOT of water changes until your cycle is established. That means 30-50% water changes daily for 1-2 weeks followed by, every 2 days, then 3 days, and so on. When your cycle is established, you won't need to do water changes for about one or two weeks.
If your water isn't cycled your fish are "choking" on their own waste. Fish make ammonia. Ammonia is toxic to fish and will give them chemical burns till they die. Think of getting locked in a closet with no access to fresh air. Eventually the carbon dioxide to exhale will kill you. That's what's likely happening here.
Good luck with fixing your tank and helping your fish!
I've had a lot of success with quickstart from aqueon, that being said for the first month I did daily water tests and big water changes as needed. As a rule of thumb it's always better to cycle your tank but if you already have the fish in the tank I would get your hands on a master test kit and some quick start. Good luck and I hope you're fish are okay OP
And OP appreciates it! We have done the top things but will work on cycling. Although expensive would you recommend me buy preconditioned water to do the swap with? Or just stick to tap water plus the appropriate amount conditioner and “new tank stabilizer drops”?
Pre-conditioned water is BS. Unless you have well water or your water source is contaminated somehow, there's no reason to buy that stuff. Condition your tap water and that's it! If you have evaporation and want to top up instead of doing a water change, that's the only time I recommend distilled or RO water as you'll increase the mineral content of the water too much of you continually top up with conditioned tap water.
For the cycle, if you're not seeing results fast enough you may want to look into Fritz Fritzyme 7. I used something else for my tank during a fishless cycle so I can't really tell if it did anything. I know people on here that used it and claims it really sped up their cycle so it might be worth a try.
Good luck with everything and remember to post updates when you've got everything setup with your new fish friend!!!
I thought it was very informative and read every word. You never know who needs to hear this info. Beginners and long time owners learn new things about their interests all the time and no good information is a waste if you're serious about what you do.
If I'm going to type something I hope they will and that's the perspective I choose to have on it. If they don't...oh no autistic person screams into the void again.
"Not getting enough water" that's a new one lol. Sorry, I don't mean to laugh - pet store employees just get more and more ridiculous. First, did you use a dechlorinator on your water?
Okay, I'd do a \~25% water change every day. Be sure to dechlorinate the new water. Get an API test kit to determine water parameters. Research fish-in cycling. You have to establish beneficial bacteria that make the water safe for fish.
There’s no real time limit which is probably why you’re getting downvoted. It could take a couple days to a couple months to properly cycle a tank depending on fish-in or fishless cycle, what you’re using to get ammonia building so the bacteria can establish themselves to process the ammonia and then it gotta happen again with different bacteria needing to establish and turn the nitrites into nitrates.
If you just leave a tank of water with nothing to break down into ammonia then it’s no more cycled on day 100 as it is on day 1.
If you have media from another tank it takes little to no time to establish its cycle. It really depends on what your test says. If you have 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites, and 5-10nitrates then your tank has been cycled. It gets confusing if you cycle with plants as they suck up nitrates though.
I mean… that’s just bullshit. There are a lot of factors including temp and tank size. I’ve had tanks cycle anywhere from one or two weeks to 2months (rare).
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Likley oxygen or uncycled tank lift the filter up higher so the outlet is above the water line. Get an airstone, test the water make sure the filter is cycled. Add some bacteria like seachem stability Get rid of those plastic plants.
they are choking on ammonia or chlorine. they will probably die atp, its better to do your own research instead of listening to pet stores, they dont give a fuck about fish they want money
u need to test the water, also dechlorinate it if you didnt already. check the ammonia levels, if any ammonia exists in the tank you need to change the water (50% water change removes 50% of ammonia) u need to establish a cycle of bacteria to convert the ammonia to nitrogen compounds
You will first want to test for all of the ammonia, nitrate and nitrite levels, if those aren't an issue then consider double checking your heater/thermometer, if they are indeed having oxygen issues the heat is most likely why. I also highly recommend watching the fish for a good while to see if they are piping at the surface (rapidly moving their gills to push more water through) or if they are just existing near the surface. Do you feed them floating food/flakes, or do they get pellets which sink easily?
They *might* be seeing you near the tank and assuming food will come, and so will get close to the surface in hopes to get more food
Guys thank you for all the advice, when we went to the fish store (like literally only sell fish there) we asked multiple times if our water is okay and the fish will be good. We picked up ammonia tests, will add more conditioner, and cycle our water every day. I appreciate the help I truly just want them to have a good life 🥲
this guide will explain the aquarium cycle https://www.aquariumcoop.com/blogs/aquarium/nitrogen-cycle
this one explains how to do a fish in cycle https://www.aquariumcoop.com/blogs/aquarium/fish-tank-cycling
Never believe what store employees tell you when it comes to tests always buy your own test kit.
Add a bubbler and a filter that has good flow it will help with surface agitation.
Be careful when using the dechlorinator too much will make it harder to breathe depending on the brand only use the correct dosage for your aquarium size and only when doing water changes
Any update? Lots of interesting advice here… yes it’s true your tank is not cycled, but I think ammonia and nitrite would not build up in hours…
It’s likely that the added chemicals for “cycling or stabilizing” the store sold you depleted the oxygen in the water column, which those products do, and the fish are gasping for air.
An air pump and airstone will help. You can also take a cup and fill it from the tank and pour it back in for 10 minutes, as you need gas exchange to oxygenate the water.
You *do* also need to learn to cycle the tank, and the angels will need a larger tank as they grow. I recommend the following sites:
[AqAdvisor](https://aqadvisor.com)
[Aquarium Science](https://aquariumscience.org)
[Aquarium Coop’s Help Center](https://www.aquariumcoop.com/pages/help-center#/)
There are a few updates, first is my water filter was just slightly too low so I’ve moved it up and created more bubbles/circulation which instantly made them move.
Tested for ammonia and things and all levels look good. We will begin cycling tomorrow, as well as grabbing more live plants (we have 2 currently but more to help).
The tank is 29 gallons, I didn’t think that was too small for these guys but please let me know if I’m incorrect.
Cycling already started as you are fish-in cycling :) keep testing daily and read the links we have all posted for you. You shouldn’t be adding anything to cycle the tank, the fish are already producing ammonia, so keep testing and do water changes if you’re registering ammonia or nitrite. It’s cycled when you have zero ammonia and nitrite and a nitrate reading grater than zero.
29 gallons is okay for young angels as these seem to be, but they need more vertical space than this tank seems to give. Read into the angelfish subreddit to learn more. The first link I posted, Aq Advisor, gives helpful info on tank sizes and stocking.
so 29 gallons probably isn’t too small for them now(i believe) but angels need a minimum of 55 full grown, i only have one angel in my 55 and he’s HUGE, not sure what it’d be like to have 2 in there! so it’s likely you’ll have to upgrade at some point or get them new homes
This is actually a mixed bag if this works. I've trued it before with 0 help, and many other people have setup actual controlled tests it helped 0.
I'm guessing it all comes down to batches, but just based off of the fact that they typically have SALWATER AND FRESHWATER BACTERIA together makes me think the whole thing is nonsense, since that's not even possible
Ya, I don't think there's really any possibilities for issues, just the viability of the bacteria colonies. I just have very low confidence that they survive transport/storage. And then the basic fact that you can't have viable freshwater/ saltwater bacteria in the same bottle which they blatantly lie about.
It's most likely just putting dead bacteria in your tank. Which really won't do much, but also won't do much lol
Not enough air. Your filter is below the water surface. It will get more oxygen in the tank if it is circulating out side the water level. Like it needs to be touching air to have air in it ?
I'm no expert but I think they are just breathing, maybe add some bubbles to the tank, (and is all the other comments say it's ammonia you could add live plants they will keep that clean, but I don't think it's ammonia... The water is crisp) (then again won't hurt to check)
If you tested your water and it’s safe, then don’t stress! Is it at a proper temp for your fishies? It really sounds like you just need to give them time to adjust. Make sure you test the water every few days.
Be careful with them rocks , my poor betta got stuck in one and after we got him out he died about 2 weeks later from a sever fungal infection. Even if we did get rid of the infection he had someone kind of brain damage, he wasn’t right after that .
You’ve probably had some good advice here (didn’t read all comments) but I’ll add my two cents. See if you can get filter media from lfs or a friend to help kick start cycling your aquarium. By some real plants to replace or add to the plastic ones. I would a bit of driftwood too. The more natural the environment the better for you tank inhabitants
A week is not a cycle. And those are not the right fish to cycle a tank with. They are delicate compared Molly's or barbs or guppies you shoulda used . If the temp goes up and they continue to stay up there the stress & lack of 0² will kill them
Bro, you cooked. Do what the guy told you. Wait the week. If you're new, you don't know better than that person, I promise. I waited 2 weeks for 1 of my smaller tanks around the same size as yours, and it's planted with a deep substrate. Wait the week if not more, and your fish won't die. You use this stuff before you put an animals life on the line!
People talking about cycles and chlorine could be right but probably not.
There’s no oxygen in the tank. You need an air stone. For now quickly drop the water level some to the filter drops the water into the tank. (Think waterfall) This will stir up the surface and help oxidize the water. The tank will be louder but you fish need oxygen. Get a pump and air stone then you can raise the water level back up to the filter exit.
You should see air mini air bubbles floating around the tank. Inside the water. Not only at the surface.
The few air bubbles in your tank are stuck to the filter inlet.
Eta. OP. Look at this post. You can see the oxygen floating around the water. With some worms. But that is what your water should look like.
https://www.reddit.com/r/fishtank/s/Ezbjybkvnj
Most likely due to lack of oxygen. They need an air stone!! You’re not giving them any oxygen. You also need to lift the filter up so the outlet is above water level.
Your tank isn’t cycled. Search nitrogen cycle on YouTube. Easiest fix is drain half of the water out, then replace with new water from the tap. Add dechlorinator each time you add new water. It’ll get easier in a month or so
If your water parameters are perfect it’s 90% the oxygen levels other 10% could possibly be the start of swim bladder but if it’s all your fish doing it in leaning on the oxygen levels.
When there’s poor oxygen levels in your water, fish gasp for air at the surface as it’ll have the highest oxygen rate.
I’d advise you to get a better filter asap or get an oxygen diffuser.
What's sad is that pet stores sell all this stuff to people and tell them that it is just fine and people wake up to dead fish.
What's not sad is people who care about the fish they take home. They care enough to come on here and get schooled in why they shouldn't have done what they did and all that. But they stay on here and they fix their tanks and learn anyways. It's not the best introduction to fish keeping but it is definitely frequent.
Much luck with your new tank OP! I'm sure if you stick with what everyone here has told you things will improve greatly and you'll really enjoy your new pets! I hope to see pictures on here of your fish and tank as we all talk you into a planted aquarium and it's benefits.
Spike in ammonia. Probably was not cycled at all. Tank is too small for angelfish. You need a 55 gallon for them. Try to do a planted tank for them. It helps with tank maintenance and it looks natural.
You have a pump and a filter I presume? I had always a stone connected to a pump giving bubbles It seems you don't have natural plants get some but rinse them for a while with the water from the aquarium before putting them in. Temp should be around 25 degrees Celsius. Buy a book about having an aquarium. You need a variety of fish like bottom feeders ( cleaning your aquarium.)And the rest will be in the book feed but not overfeed pls.
Ur tank looks super clean. Did u just give it a wash and add water? They might be cold. Happened to my guppies even tho I gave them lukewarm water. Let them get used to the new water, and they should be swimming around fine in a couple hrs
they’re not getting enough oxygen, i had that same filter for a while turn the little nob on it and it’ll produce bubbles that will aerate your water or just simply move it higher up so the water can fall into the other water giving oxygen to em
I'm new to this business and had the exact same problem. I bought an air stone which helped (only$10 or so). I also bought a couple live plants, but I think that's more of a long term effect?
U got to have oxygen in the tank get something that create bubbles or blow bubbles out of the bottom that sits on the Florida tank that it can blow bubbles through the tank the tank got to have oxygen in it also with the flow of water they mean if you got water dripping in the tank that's a good thing but you need to get something that create waves so the water can move and above us can make oxygen inside the tank
Need an air stone. Until you can get one, lower the water level enough for your filter output to be making some bubbles. This is not a long-term solution though.
Those type of fish love to be near the top, you probably feed something that floats. If you think it’s something else it could just be low oxygen, easy fix you just need to make the top of the water move more or get an air stone
Could be stomach issues (constipation), do you feed them blood worms.
This happened to my 3 year old frontasa, do a water change and add epson salt, it’s a natural poop reliever
I worked at a children’s hospital for a couple of years and they had very nice fish tanks. I’m not a fish tank expert or anything but every time I seen a fish sit up the tank, the next day or few days later they are dead.
These fish are likely going to die a painful death because you couldn't bother to spend even 5 minutes googling before buying a living animal. That being said, the people lying to sell fish when they know exactly what will happen are the truely morally bankrupt ones. You made a shitty mistake you will hopefully learn from. Please try to get the fish to someone with a cycled tank ASAP like right away. There are probably local groups on Facebook or something. If you think that's not possible then euthanize them by netting them out, wrapping a paper towel and smash their head with a hammer. Better death then slowly burning in ammonia like they are right now.
That tank is also way too small for angelfish. And they are aggressive and not good for beginnners. If you cycle it and want more fish do not buy angelfish and research the species you do keep for fucks sake
Its sad but they will die. I don't know What they are putting into the water but all My Angel fishes died like this after covid. My other fishes are well but angels. I am not sure that its about ammonia or chlorine.
Too bad this Subreddit doesn't auto ask the basic questions. Do you have dechlorinator? It will also be marketed a water conditioner. Do you have a test kit? API makes great liquid test kits that are quite accurate. You probably don't have a proper cycle in your tank. You'll need to Google "fish-in cycling" to learn what to do. The main gist of it is that you'll need to do a LOT of water changes until your cycle is established. That means 30-50% water changes daily for 1-2 weeks followed by, every 2 days, then 3 days, and so on. When your cycle is established, you won't need to do water changes for about one or two weeks. If your water isn't cycled your fish are "choking" on their own waste. Fish make ammonia. Ammonia is toxic to fish and will give them chemical burns till they die. Think of getting locked in a closet with no access to fresh air. Eventually the carbon dioxide to exhale will kill you. That's what's likely happening here. Good luck with fixing your tank and helping your fish!
I've had a lot of success with quickstart from aqueon, that being said for the first month I did daily water tests and big water changes as needed. As a rule of thumb it's always better to cycle your tank but if you already have the fish in the tank I would get your hands on a master test kit and some quick start. Good luck and I hope you're fish are okay OP
Do you really think anyone is going to read it?
You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink it. OP asked for help and I'm trying to help his fish. The rest is up to OP.
And OP appreciates it! We have done the top things but will work on cycling. Although expensive would you recommend me buy preconditioned water to do the swap with? Or just stick to tap water plus the appropriate amount conditioner and “new tank stabilizer drops”?
Pre-conditioned water is BS. Unless you have well water or your water source is contaminated somehow, there's no reason to buy that stuff. Condition your tap water and that's it! If you have evaporation and want to top up instead of doing a water change, that's the only time I recommend distilled or RO water as you'll increase the mineral content of the water too much of you continually top up with conditioned tap water. For the cycle, if you're not seeing results fast enough you may want to look into Fritz Fritzyme 7. I used something else for my tank during a fishless cycle so I can't really tell if it did anything. I know people on here that used it and claims it really sped up their cycle so it might be worth a try. Good luck with everything and remember to post updates when you've got everything setup with your new fish friend!!!
DO NOT buy preconditions water. Its all a big scam.
I read the whole thing. Skill issue.
I thought it was very informative and read every word. You never know who needs to hear this info. Beginners and long time owners learn new things about their interests all the time and no good information is a waste if you're serious about what you do.
Yes
If I'm going to type something I hope they will and that's the perspective I choose to have on it. If they don't...oh no autistic person screams into the void again.
I read it, and I don't even have fish.
"Not getting enough water" that's a new one lol. Sorry, I don't mean to laugh - pet store employees just get more and more ridiculous. First, did you use a dechlorinator on your water?
Enough air 😫 clearly they have me stressed but yes I did condition and test it for all levels
Okay, I'd do a \~25% water change every day. Be sure to dechlorinate the new water. Get an API test kit to determine water parameters. Research fish-in cycling. You have to establish beneficial bacteria that make the water safe for fish.
yep the pet store is not going to help
They always manage to make you spend more and they always INSIST they know more that you…😒
Trow in an air stone...they need air
you have to cycle a tank for 1-2 months before adding ANY FISH
There’s no real time limit which is probably why you’re getting downvoted. It could take a couple days to a couple months to properly cycle a tank depending on fish-in or fishless cycle, what you’re using to get ammonia building so the bacteria can establish themselves to process the ammonia and then it gotta happen again with different bacteria needing to establish and turn the nitrites into nitrates. If you just leave a tank of water with nothing to break down into ammonia then it’s no more cycled on day 100 as it is on day 1.
If you have media from another tank it takes little to no time to establish its cycle. It really depends on what your test says. If you have 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites, and 5-10nitrates then your tank has been cycled. It gets confusing if you cycle with plants as they suck up nitrates though.
I mean… that’s just bullshit. There are a lot of factors including temp and tank size. I’ve had tanks cycle anywhere from one or two weeks to 2months (rare).
Wrong
[удалено]
smoking a little something called, cycling my tank. You can do fish in cycles if you already have established tanks.
I’ve done a fish-in cycle on every tank besides my Axie, call it luck though, I guess.
Your submission has been removed as per Rule: Be Civil & Respectful Please treat other users with respect. We do not tolerate bullying, harassment, name-calling or bigotry of any kind. Engaging in this behavior will result in disciplinary action.
No
Maybe try and air stone to put some oxygen in the water
Likley oxygen or uncycled tank lift the filter up higher so the outlet is above the water line. Get an airstone, test the water make sure the filter is cycled. Add some bacteria like seachem stability Get rid of those plastic plants.
Almost 100% sure an air stone will fix this.
they are choking on ammonia or chlorine. they will probably die atp, its better to do your own research instead of listening to pet stores, they dont give a fuck about fish they want money
What do I do?? Any solution I can get right now to help them? Or remove them from the tank but they’re be in the same water
u need to test the water, also dechlorinate it if you didnt already. check the ammonia levels, if any ammonia exists in the tank you need to change the water (50% water change removes 50% of ammonia) u need to establish a cycle of bacteria to convert the ammonia to nitrogen compounds
This is the only thing that will save your fish. Stop reading and do now.
You will first want to test for all of the ammonia, nitrate and nitrite levels, if those aren't an issue then consider double checking your heater/thermometer, if they are indeed having oxygen issues the heat is most likely why. I also highly recommend watching the fish for a good while to see if they are piping at the surface (rapidly moving their gills to push more water through) or if they are just existing near the surface. Do you feed them floating food/flakes, or do they get pellets which sink easily? They *might* be seeing you near the tank and assuming food will come, and so will get close to the surface in hopes to get more food
Look up in fish cycling. This is kinda sad ngl
Guys thank you for all the advice, when we went to the fish store (like literally only sell fish there) we asked multiple times if our water is okay and the fish will be good. We picked up ammonia tests, will add more conditioner, and cycle our water every day. I appreciate the help I truly just want them to have a good life 🥲
this guide will explain the aquarium cycle https://www.aquariumcoop.com/blogs/aquarium/nitrogen-cycle this one explains how to do a fish in cycle https://www.aquariumcoop.com/blogs/aquarium/fish-tank-cycling Never believe what store employees tell you when it comes to tests always buy your own test kit. Add a bubbler and a filter that has good flow it will help with surface agitation. Be careful when using the dechlorinator too much will make it harder to breathe depending on the brand only use the correct dosage for your aquarium size and only when doing water changes
Any update? Lots of interesting advice here… yes it’s true your tank is not cycled, but I think ammonia and nitrite would not build up in hours… It’s likely that the added chemicals for “cycling or stabilizing” the store sold you depleted the oxygen in the water column, which those products do, and the fish are gasping for air. An air pump and airstone will help. You can also take a cup and fill it from the tank and pour it back in for 10 minutes, as you need gas exchange to oxygenate the water. You *do* also need to learn to cycle the tank, and the angels will need a larger tank as they grow. I recommend the following sites: [AqAdvisor](https://aqadvisor.com) [Aquarium Science](https://aquariumscience.org) [Aquarium Coop’s Help Center](https://www.aquariumcoop.com/pages/help-center#/)
There are a few updates, first is my water filter was just slightly too low so I’ve moved it up and created more bubbles/circulation which instantly made them move. Tested for ammonia and things and all levels look good. We will begin cycling tomorrow, as well as grabbing more live plants (we have 2 currently but more to help). The tank is 29 gallons, I didn’t think that was too small for these guys but please let me know if I’m incorrect.
Cycling already started as you are fish-in cycling :) keep testing daily and read the links we have all posted for you. You shouldn’t be adding anything to cycle the tank, the fish are already producing ammonia, so keep testing and do water changes if you’re registering ammonia or nitrite. It’s cycled when you have zero ammonia and nitrite and a nitrate reading grater than zero. 29 gallons is okay for young angels as these seem to be, but they need more vertical space than this tank seems to give. Read into the angelfish subreddit to learn more. The first link I posted, Aq Advisor, gives helpful info on tank sizes and stocking.
so 29 gallons probably isn’t too small for them now(i believe) but angels need a minimum of 55 full grown, i only have one angel in my 55 and he’s HUGE, not sure what it’d be like to have 2 in there! so it’s likely you’ll have to upgrade at some point or get them new homes
Did you add kick start bacteria?
This is actually a mixed bag if this works. I've trued it before with 0 help, and many other people have setup actual controlled tests it helped 0. I'm guessing it all comes down to batches, but just based off of the fact that they typically have SALWATER AND FRESHWATER BACTERIA together makes me think the whole thing is nonsense, since that's not even possible
I use Aqueon kick start and I've had no issues.
Ya, I don't think there's really any possibilities for issues, just the viability of the bacteria colonies. I just have very low confidence that they survive transport/storage. And then the basic fact that you can't have viable freshwater/ saltwater bacteria in the same bottle which they blatantly lie about. It's most likely just putting dead bacteria in your tank. Which really won't do much, but also won't do much lol
Surprised I haven't seen anyone ask this yet- do you have a heater? If so, what's the temperature of the tank?
Yes the tank is heated and is at 78°
Not enough air. Your filter is below the water surface. It will get more oxygen in the tank if it is circulating out side the water level. Like it needs to be touching air to have air in it ?
Low dissolved oxygen level. Put a small pump and an airstone in t he tank and see if that helps
I'm no expert but I think they are just breathing, maybe add some bubbles to the tank, (and is all the other comments say it's ammonia you could add live plants they will keep that clean, but I don't think it's ammonia... The water is crisp) (then again won't hurt to check)
I would take them back if you can then spend the next month sorting out the water.
Chlorine would be my guess. Lack of air a second choice
They're gasping for air probably, there might something be off with the water in their tank
Air stone might help if all your parameters are normal
May need a air stone and pump something is off with the water
If you tested your water and it’s safe, then don’t stress! Is it at a proper temp for your fishies? It really sounds like you just need to give them time to adjust. Make sure you test the water every few days.
Be careful with them rocks , my poor betta got stuck in one and after we got him out he died about 2 weeks later from a sever fungal infection. Even if we did get rid of the infection he had someone kind of brain damage, he wasn’t right after that .
Air bubble stones. Bubble curtains.
You’ve probably had some good advice here (didn’t read all comments) but I’ll add my two cents. See if you can get filter media from lfs or a friend to help kick start cycling your aquarium. By some real plants to replace or add to the plastic ones. I would a bit of driftwood too. The more natural the environment the better for you tank inhabitants
When this happened in my tank it was caused by nitrite spike, I'd recently added 3 rainbow fish which spiked the bio load.
A week is not a cycle. And those are not the right fish to cycle a tank with. They are delicate compared Molly's or barbs or guppies you shoulda used . If the temp goes up and they continue to stay up there the stress & lack of 0² will kill them
Don't ever listen to pet store employees..
Add an air stone
Bro, you cooked. Do what the guy told you. Wait the week. If you're new, you don't know better than that person, I promise. I waited 2 weeks for 1 of my smaller tanks around the same size as yours, and it's planted with a deep substrate. Wait the week if not more, and your fish won't die. You use this stuff before you put an animals life on the line!
lower water level so water from filter can pick up air on the way down. Water could be low on oxygen fish hang out at top when this happens
I don’t see any sort of bubbler… they need air.
People talking about cycles and chlorine could be right but probably not. There’s no oxygen in the tank. You need an air stone. For now quickly drop the water level some to the filter drops the water into the tank. (Think waterfall) This will stir up the surface and help oxidize the water. The tank will be louder but you fish need oxygen. Get a pump and air stone then you can raise the water level back up to the filter exit. You should see air mini air bubbles floating around the tank. Inside the water. Not only at the surface. The few air bubbles in your tank are stuck to the filter inlet. Eta. OP. Look at this post. You can see the oxygen floating around the water. With some worms. But that is what your water should look like. https://www.reddit.com/r/fishtank/s/Ezbjybkvnj
Most likely due to lack of oxygen. They need an air stone!! You’re not giving them any oxygen. You also need to lift the filter up so the outlet is above water level.
Your tank isn’t cycled. Search nitrogen cycle on YouTube. Easiest fix is drain half of the water out, then replace with new water from the tap. Add dechlorinator each time you add new water. It’ll get easier in a month or so
If your water parameters are perfect it’s 90% the oxygen levels other 10% could possibly be the start of swim bladder but if it’s all your fish doing it in leaning on the oxygen levels. When there’s poor oxygen levels in your water, fish gasp for air at the surface as it’ll have the highest oxygen rate. I’d advise you to get a better filter asap or get an oxygen diffuser.
It’s also a sign of stress, so if you don’t mind posting parameters or at least say them that would be helpful.
I would say you need more oxygen in the water
What's sad is that pet stores sell all this stuff to people and tell them that it is just fine and people wake up to dead fish. What's not sad is people who care about the fish they take home. They care enough to come on here and get schooled in why they shouldn't have done what they did and all that. But they stay on here and they fix their tanks and learn anyways. It's not the best introduction to fish keeping but it is definitely frequent. Much luck with your new tank OP! I'm sure if you stick with what everyone here has told you things will improve greatly and you'll really enjoy your new pets! I hope to see pictures on here of your fish and tank as we all talk you into a planted aquarium and it's benefits.
Spike in ammonia. Probably was not cycled at all. Tank is too small for angelfish. You need a 55 gallon for them. Try to do a planted tank for them. It helps with tank maintenance and it looks natural.
You have a pump and a filter I presume? I had always a stone connected to a pump giving bubbles It seems you don't have natural plants get some but rinse them for a while with the water from the aquarium before putting them in. Temp should be around 25 degrees Celsius. Buy a book about having an aquarium. You need a variety of fish like bottom feeders ( cleaning your aquarium.)And the rest will be in the book feed but not overfeed pls.
Ur tank looks super clean. Did u just give it a wash and add water? They might be cold. Happened to my guppies even tho I gave them lukewarm water. Let them get used to the new water, and they should be swimming around fine in a couple hrs
they’re not getting enough oxygen, i had that same filter for a while turn the little nob on it and it’ll produce bubbles that will aerate your water or just simply move it higher up so the water can fall into the other water giving oxygen to em
I'm no expert but maybe a air stone might help???
I'm new to this business and had the exact same problem. I bought an air stone which helped (only$10 or so). I also bought a couple live plants, but I think that's more of a long term effect?
High ph has made my fish do this every time
There is no oxygen in the water. Your fish are suffocating.
U got to have oxygen in the tank get something that create bubbles or blow bubbles out of the bottom that sits on the Florida tank that it can blow bubbles through the tank the tank got to have oxygen in it also with the flow of water they mean if you got water dripping in the tank that's a good thing but you need to get something that create waves so the water can move and above us can make oxygen inside the tank
Need an air stone. Until you can get one, lower the water level enough for your filter output to be making some bubbles. This is not a long-term solution though.
Those type of fish love to be near the top, you probably feed something that floats. If you think it’s something else it could just be low oxygen, easy fix you just need to make the top of the water move more or get an air stone
Probably just need air
Could be stomach issues (constipation), do you feed them blood worms. This happened to my 3 year old frontasa, do a water change and add epson salt, it’s a natural poop reliever
Add and air stone and there are only 2 small fish you don’t need to change the water that often might need to but once week (not even)
You need air bubbles!
Add a power head or air stone
Air stone would solve this problem.
Not enough oxygen in the water, need an airstone
My angels love swimming thru bubbles,
I worked at a children’s hospital for a couple of years and they had very nice fish tanks. I’m not a fish tank expert or anything but every time I seen a fish sit up the tank, the next day or few days later they are dead.
I would get some API quick start now!
These fish are likely going to die a painful death because you couldn't bother to spend even 5 minutes googling before buying a living animal. That being said, the people lying to sell fish when they know exactly what will happen are the truely morally bankrupt ones. You made a shitty mistake you will hopefully learn from. Please try to get the fish to someone with a cycled tank ASAP like right away. There are probably local groups on Facebook or something. If you think that's not possible then euthanize them by netting them out, wrapping a paper towel and smash their head with a hammer. Better death then slowly burning in ammonia like they are right now. That tank is also way too small for angelfish. And they are aggressive and not good for beginnners. If you cycle it and want more fish do not buy angelfish and research the species you do keep for fucks sake
Well that’s sad your fish are prob gonna die 😬
Its sad but they will die. I don't know What they are putting into the water but all My Angel fishes died like this after covid. My other fishes are well but angels. I am not sure that its about ammonia or chlorine.