Emergency Tank Protocol
Is your tank crashing? Are fish stressed or dying?
STOP: Don't just dump chemicals in. Follow these steps in order.
Isolate the Cause
Check for: Dead fish (ammonia bomb), disconnected heater, power outage, or recent water change (chlorine).
50% Water Change (NOW)
The single best 'medicine'. Match temperature within 2°F. Use water conditioner (Seachem Prime if possible - it detoxifies ammonia).
Stop Feeding
Do not feed for 48 hours. Food = Waste = Ammonia. Healthy fish can survive weeks without food.
Increase Oxygen
Lower water level so filter splashes, add an air stone, or point powerhead at surface. Maximizing gas exchange is critical.
Test Your Water
If Ammonia > 0.5ppm or Nitrite > 0.5ppm, do another 50% water change in 12 hours.
Track your tank & catch the next problem early
Log water tests, set maintenance reminders, and get alerts before parameters go critical. Free to start, no account needed.
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