I have an aqua clear filter, which made all the difference in my
tank.....I've noticed the store I bought it from (it's an all purpose
dog/cat/fish/etc.) hasn't had all the three components. Now is bio max the
same as the bags of ammo carb? They don't seem to have the carbon bags
anymore.

Along with using the new filter, I did get CYCLE and I seem to be having
luck......could be the filter, could be the CYCLE or could be both.
"NanK" wrote in message
...
Ginger,

You need to act immediately!

When was the last time you changed your filter media? The sponge should
be changed every 3 months, the bio-Max every 6 months, the carbon every
4-6 Weeks.

Remove your fish right now and put him in a big Rubbermaid tub with FRESH
dechlored water and an airstone -- NO MEDS AT ALL. Watch the
temperature!!! If he starts to improve right away, the problem is in your
tank.

Take your filter off the tank (disconnect it first) and take a good look
at it. If you see a lot of debris, change the sponge now, and if possible
HALF of the biomax at the same time. If you have ammonia remover, take it
out immediately -- it may be leeching back into the water. Don't use it
unless you have ammonia spikes.

Remove 100% of the water with a good siphon gravel cleaner from the bottom
of the tank -- move the rocks around (I'll bet you have a lot of gunk
under those stones). Don't do this with fish in the tank!! They will all
get sick.

After cleaning out everything, (no soap, just plain water) add water back
into the tank. Don't forget to dechlor. Start up your filter with the
new sponge) Add STABILITY (Seachem) if you can find it, or CYCLE if you
can find that, and let the tank run for a couple of hours.

By now you will know if your fish is doing better or getting worse.
Either way, put him back into his tank.

Add Stress Guard as a mild antiseptic. No salt. No meds.

If the problemm was a contaminated tank, it will miraculously heal itself.

Good luck. Let us know how it goes.
n