Fish pellets

Question
QUESTION: Dave, Are fish pellets, fish waste or are they from the dead fish. I did a 25% water change this morning and stirred the water up and got as many pellets out as I could. There doesn't seem to be as many of them. I can't get to the store today so I called and the lady told me to put 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in. She said it would help balance the water out instead of using more chemicals which stress the fish out too much. I'm not going to do that until I hear from you. Thank you for all the time and help you have given me. Sharon P.S. I have a 55 gallon tank.

ANSWER: Hi Sharon:  Fish pellets are food, etc. Well... I wouldn't use baking soda... I would just do water changes.  Baking soda is a chemical and she is right adding chemicals to the water just draws out the process.  IF you can get all or most of those pellets out then the nitrogen cycle will be broken and the tank will finish its process in about a week.  In the meantime do 20% water changes every other for a total of two changes and then continue water changes once per week there after.  You will probably want to invest in a gravel vacuum they are about $12 or so... and they will help you keep your gravel's top layer clean.... So when you get to the aquarium store look in to a gravel vacuum.  Keep me posted.... dave

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QUESTION: Dave, I do have a vacuum. I would always vacuum and do a water and filter change monthly. I didn't have any problem until the first fish died. I have not vacuum, because I'm afraid to over whelm them. I have lost 9 fish in the last five weeks. Do you think I should vacuum now? I've only been stirring. Do you think vacuuming and changing the water monthly is enough? I'm in such a mess here. I will not buy any more fish until I get this fixed. Thank you, Sharon

Answer
Water changes should be weekly with light gravel vacuum during that time.  I would do a light gravel vacuum and a small water change.  The fish will adjust.  Mine use to be terrified every time I did a gravel vacuum but after a couple of weeks the guppies thought it was a toy and I have a hard time keeping them out of the vacuum chamber.  dave