discus staying in top left corner of tank

[nc0gnet0]

It is one possible cause. specifically it is the failure of the nitrobacter to be able to consume the amount of nitrite that the nitrosomonas is producing when breaking down ammonia. This is quite common in a tank that is still cycling. As to what would cause a nitrite spike in a cycled tank there are several reasons, one of which you mentioned, others could include a die off of the nitrobacter, a clogged or partially clogged filter, etc. I can think of several possibilities in your case, but, they would at best be a guess.

[kitykatfunkiehat]

Hmm well I'll be careful to look out for these things in the future, and I think it may have just been an excess food problem cause my filter is running fine. I need to get a clean up crew to help me out!

[nc0gnet0]

Do you have an UGF?

[kitykatfunkiehat]

No.

[nc0gnet0]

Before you left for canada, did you aggresively (more so than normal) vaccuum your gravel ? What type of filter are you running? Any reduced flow rate?

[kitykatfunkiehat]

Nah I did a normal 50% waterchange on friday night. I didn't vacuum any more aggressively as any other time, but I usually am pretty thorough about getting debris and food out and whatnot. I have a Penguin 350 that I actually also cleaned out a bit that night, I just shook off the cartridges in the syphoned tank water. I don't think the flow rate is slower.

[nc0gnet0]

Well the combination of the two coould have temporarily set your filter back a bit. Just keep a close eye on them, it's not definate that nitrite is the only thing causing there distress, but lets hope that is all it is.

[kitykatfunkiehat]

Could be. I always have a strong reading of nitrates though, usually constant at about 15-20ppm. Hmm.
Yes I do hope all it is is the nitrites! I may not have caught it right away either, so it could have been brewing in the tank for a little bit beforehand, and it stressed him out. Hopefully we're on the rebound now.

[nc0gnet0]

The only way to get rid of nitrates is through water changes (or plants). If your nitrites are not being consumed, you won't be producing any nitrates. Good luck......

[JaredP]

I know its a pain to have seperate hose setups but you need to. The only part my tanks share are a 50ft hose of the python. Anything that touch's water is uniquely marked. For my 55's they are marked "A" "B" "C" and you guessed it, "D". Each of those tanks have their own python vaccum. Then each of my lower tanks (hospital, fry tank, beta tank) each have their own syphon. It's a pITA but you need to do it.

Also I use a hose that never touch's dirty water to fillmy aging barrels. It's worth that extra pain for them not to get sick.

[kitykatfunkiehat]

Yeah I suppose it is, I just never thought to use separate ones! But I will from now on. That should have been common sense...durrr!

[Double Up]

Man, time to get the buckets flowing. I'm totally exhausted from canada last night..but anything for these guys. Should I worry about vacumming the gravel?

Long night in Windsor huh? Are YOU feeling ok? maybe your fish are just sharing in your misery following a night of partying on Ouelette st !!!

[kitykatfunkiehat]

Long night in Windsor huh? Are YOU feeling ok? maybe your fish are just sharing in your misery following a night of partying on Ouelette st !!!

Hahahaha! I came home feeling fine, actually. Just really tired and annoyed from US customs. The funny thing is...I don't really remember what streets we were on
We had free admission into the "boom boom room"....and we stayed at the casino. I've never had so much fun that I don't remember in my life.

[Eddie]

Hmm well I'll be careful to look out for these things in the future, and I think it may have just been an excess food problem cause my filter is running fine. I need to get a clean up crew to help me out!

A clean up crew will create more ammonia+nitrites=nitrates

[kitykatfunkiehat]

I think the fish is developing more of an excess slime coat. I can see it kinda cloudy and patchy along his body but only when I look at him head-on. Is this normal of a nitrite spike?