Stress in the tank

Question
Hi Chris
we have a six foot aquarium with several species of tropicals...we did a water change and my husband put in water conditioner, stresszyme and pima fix, then the fish started to go to the top and opening their mouths quite al ot, did he overdo the chemicals and should he only have added the conditioner?  Please need help, we have had the tank for a while but lately seems its all going pearshaped.
we have chiclids, severum, white knites and angels
thank you
hugs
Dina

Answer
Hi Dina;

It could just be shock or a reaction to the new water, or too much water was replaced. All tanks need a water change once a week, but no more than 25% should be changed at one time. If it has been a long time since the last change was made, the difference in chemistry from tap to tank water can be quite broad. The tank water is altered over a period of time as your fish live in it. Just let them adjust and recover. Hopefully they will all be okay in a few more hours. If they aren't feeling better 12 hours after the change, have some of the water tested for the levels of the two toxins ammonia and nitrite. Sometimes a water change can cause stress to the biological balance too. If the filter was cleaned at the same time, it will also cause ammonia and nitrite to rise. Beneficial bacteria that consumes those toxins live in the filter, gravel, and on decorations. Too vigorous of a cleaning can kill too much of it off and cause toxin spikes.

All you ever really need when you make a water change is the water conditioner. PimaFix should only be used when the fish actually need it. It's a mild medication but it really shouldn't be used as a preventative. StressZyme and other shelf-stored products are a waste of money (in my experienced opinion) because they just don't do anything but drain your pocketbook. The kinds of "enzymes" that are claimed to be in them can't actually live in a sealed bottle at room temperature. Again, just my opinion from my own former use and unscientific testing of such products.  

Also be sure that any new water added is the same temperature as the old water.

I hope they feel better soon...

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins