New Tank Syndrome

New Tank Syndrome is the term given to a new tank when it goes through several notable stages.

1. Lots of beads of oxygen or nitrogen appear on the sides of the tank and ornaments. This is a natural feature of new water on initial contact with new objects and soon passes within 24 hours.
2. The tank water may turn a cloudy white colour. This is a bacteria bloom caused by heterotrophic bacteria feeding off the organic matter in the tank and a sign that the initial cycling process is working well. It passes naturally within 3–4 days. A beginner often thinks something is wrong and performs water changes which may expose the fish to ammonia and nitrite poisoning as it delays the cycling time of the tank.
3. Fish seem to breathing at the surface of a new tank. This is probably nitrite poisoning (often called brown disease as the gills turn from bright red to a dark brown colour). Nitrite causes fish to have a hard time breathing and can kill them.
4. Fish death. A person sets up a new tank and puts an aquatic animal in it without ensuring that the tank is properly cycled. The animal usually dies within a week due to exposure to high levels of ammonia and nitrite.

Links

• See Old Tank Syndrome.
• See also article - New Tank Syndrome - NTS