raised water level

Hepcat021

I have been posting for several weeks about my problems with my newer 10 gallon fish tank. From my heater to general fish questions. So here is more of the same. Because I literally do not have Any money to spend on this tank for awhile I have tried diligently to solve my problems using only the equipment and such I initally bought. I have done weekly water changes and all that and tried desperately to keep the water at the right temp. Well, I did another water change today and found a way to raise my filter up so the water level is high enough to reach the water level mark on my heater. According to the heater manual it must be at this level to work properly.

Since I have done this it certainly has reduced the flow and there seems to be a little less water agitation. My guppies are swimming at the top ocassionally gulping at the surface. B4 I did this one had been doing this for days anyway but the other had not. I know getting new, better hardware would probably solve the problem, but as I mentioned I have no money at the time. You can bet when I do I shall uprade considerably. Anything except leaving the top off I can do to help?

Also I have read on the little info card at the bottom of pet store guppy tanks that they require aquarium salt. I read quite a bit about guppies online and nothing mentioned this as a requirement. Is the pet shop wrong yet again or would this be beneficial to them?

Thank and sorry for my constant, similar posts
Bill


Bill... this thread shifted from your heater problem to the use of salt, I moved it to the Freshwater Aquarium area under the Heading of Salt..

Jay

neonlife102

Well as long as the water temp. is stable (prefferably below 80), if not, try to get it there (unstable water temp causes un-needed stress on the fish). And has proper filtration and is oxigenated properly you should be okay. The aquarium salt issue is mostly optional. The card at the petshop probably states that because the guppy's natural habitat is a little salty. This is not a reqirement in your home aquarium, but it's nice for the guppy to feel at home in it's new surroundings (and the salt helps when it comes to getting your guppy's to mate).

Hepcat021

I will say my guppies seem miserable. The neon tetras though seem happy and healthy. One of the guppies will not eat and barely moves and now is sometimes sinking to the bottom for awhile..I don't hold much hope for him. The other is lazy but does eat. I think my tank might be slightly leaking now too(don't know why). Since I raised the water level the temp has been much more constant about 76-77 degrees. I was trying for 78 but I have a lot of trouble for some reason keeping it that high. When I get some money I am going to get completely new equipment, tank and all.

Thank you
Bill