Serpae Tetra is sick!

Question
QUESTION: I have 5 serpae tetras in a community tank. Never had any problems with any of
the fish - also have 3 angel fish, 5 silvertips and 3 bristlenose catfish. Ph of
the water is fine - filter recently cleaned and working. One of the tetras is
lurking on the bottom, not able to keep upright. Colour is very pale...has lost
its orangy colour and is very pale in places. No obvious fin damage or rot. Fish
is gasping a little. Please can u help!!!!


ANSWER: What is your waterchange schedule? How much, and how often. Also, how big of a tank?

What are your ammonia, nitrate, and nitrite readings.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Usually every 3 weeks a 25% water change. Changed about one third of water yesterday. still no difference in sick fish. Tank is 3 foot long, about 18 inches high and a foot across. Have had tank in operation for about 4 months. Never had a fish death yet. Just returned from a 10 day holiday and used holiday food in the tank - could this have been the problem? Also had friend pop in and check tank every 2nd day. I dont have ammonia, nitrate and nitrite readings. ... but I use a product called cycle for maintenance purposes

Answer
Well, first things first.

You need to be doing 25% weekly water changes.

The holiday blocks are not good at all. They pollute the tank, and the food rots fast, producing ammonia. You should have just had that friend put some food in when they came in.

You said "i dont have ammonia, nitrate, and nitrite readings". Does that mean you dont have the tests? Or that you tested and the readings are 0

Also, most aquariusts have pretty much decided that cycle does absoloutly nothing for the aquarium. It would be better to use a product called stress coat.




Let me know on the readings question.

Thanks,
   ~Matt