How To Prevent New Tank Syndrome
By David Farrands
You probably know that the nitrogen cycle plays a significant role in the health of the fish in your aquarium. As time goes on waste will build up in the aquarium and will need to be removed. After a month or two the beneficial bacteria residing within your tank should take care of the waste products.
New Tank Syndrome occurs when Ammonia and Nitrites are not converted to nitrates properly. Putting too many fish in your aquarium too quickly is what normally causes new tank syndrome.
New Tank Syndrome usually happens without warning and leads to mass deaths in your tank. Your fish may be a little off one day then all be dead the next. You will need to recognize what is happening. Fish suffering from New Tank Syndrome will typically lose some of their color, hide in corners, or lay near the bottom of the tank. If you notice these things you should immediately test for ammonia and nitrites and make water changes as needed. New Tank Syndrome can be avoided by properly cycling your aquarium.