Need advice for dying Chiclids

[Aquasling]

Hi guys, need some advice here. Just did a 20% water change as i usually do, added Dymax instant start, and about 2 hours later, all 5 of my yellow labs are at the bottom of the tank, not moving much.

Seeking advice what may i have done wrong.

[lionelckg]

Hi. I guess the first question everyone will ask you is that have you cycled your tank and also what are the current tank parameters?

Probably you want to elaborate on the above so that other experts can have a better idea and help you as well.

=)

[Aquasling]

Thanks for the response. I will have to consult the person who set up my tank. I totally have no idea.

[stormhawk]

If your tank is less than a month old with a fresh filter unseeded with a bacteria starter culture or a squeezing of filter gunk from an older filter, then it's likely not to be fully cycled.

Dymax Instant Start is basically a de-chlorinator. It is likely something in the tap water that caused the fish to react that way. Sometimes during a water change, some species of fish get stressed out and they will just gasp around for some time. This happens often to more sensitive species. Is this the first time you are using the Instant Start? There might be an issue with one of the components in the product, which may have caused irritation to the gills of your cichlids, or you overdosed or just changed the water too quickly.

[lionelckg]

Hi TS, any updates on the condition of your tank and fauna?