New tank syndrome is the term used to describe the all-too-frequent problem of stocking a newly set up aquarium with too many fish too quickly. Toxic ammonia and nitrite build up because as there are not enough friendly bacteria in the tank to consume and break down the waste that is being produced by the fish. The fish that are in the aquarium may become lethargic and go off their food, and at worst, the occupants may die if levels continue to rise and are not remedied.
How to prevent new tank syndrome
New tank syndrome can be best avoided by following the advice given here. When you set up the aquarium, use a dechlorinating liquid or tapwater purifier to remove chlorine and chloramines from the tapwater. Chlorinated tapwater is not only harmful to fish, but will also prevent the build-up of all types of bacteria, including the ones that you are trying to encourage to colonize your filter. Once the tank is full of water, switch on the filter and leave it running continuously for the future. By doing this, you will ensure that friendly bacteria will begin to multiply in the filter media within only a few days.
Leave the aquarium without any fish for at least a week and add some liquid filter bacteria to the tank, following the instructions on the bottle. This will provide millions of extra bacteria into the aquarium, and they will help to break down waste when the fish are added. Choose hardy fish, like Platies and danios, and add only a few each week. It is tempting to add lots of fish at a time, but this way the bacteria levels can multiply at a healthy rate and so catch up with the amount of waste that is being produced by the fish.
Feed only small amounts once a day for the first few weeks. This will be fine for a few, small fish and will prevent large amounts of uneaten food from polluting the water. Remove any uneaten food or dead fish immediately with a clean net, as they will soon break down, causing excess ammonia in the water.
Do not maintain or clean the filter media for the first four weeks after installation, because this may disturb the developing bacteria.
New tank syndrome FAQs
Q: How do I know for sure if my tank is going through new tank syndrome?
A: Use a test kit to read accurately how much ammonia or nitrite is in the tank water. Anything above zero will cause stress and discomfort to the fish.
Q: What can I do to get rid of it?
A: Stop feeding the fish for a day or two, which will cause less waste production. Add some liquid filter bacteria to the tank to boost the filters' capacity to break down the waste. If the fish are dying, then carry out a 50 percent water change every day until the levels are noticeably lower, continuing to test the water to monitor the quality.
Q: Can I still add new fish while I have new tank syndrome?
A: No way. The new arrivals will be even more susceptible to the high ammonia and nitrite levels and may die within hours of being added to the tank.
Q: Are there any hardy fish that are best adapted to cope with new tanks?
A: Yes, danios and Platies are noted for their hardiness and tolerance of nitrite. Neon Tetras and Tiger barbs are not. Dianos are the best choice for thanks less than 6 weeks old because of their hardiness and their ability to do well in the less than perfect conditions of an immature tank.
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