Emergency Guides

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HIGH URGENCY

Water Quality Crisis (Fish)

Ammonia spike, oxygen depletion, or toxic water — can kill fish within hours

Signs & Symptoms
  • Fish gasping at water surface
  • Rapid gill movement
  • Erratic or lethargic swimming
  • Red streaks on fins or body
  • Multiple fish affected simultaneously
  • Cloudy or discolored water
What To Do
  1. 1Perform immediate 25-50% water change with dechlorinated water
  2. 2Increase surface agitation to boost oxygen
  3. 3Test water: ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, temperature
  4. 4Remove any dead fish or decaying matter immediately
  5. 5Add water conditioner/dechlorinator
What NOT To Do
  • Don't do 100% water change — removes beneficial bacteria
  • Don't add tap water without dechlorinating first
  • Don't add more fish during a crisis
  • Don't overfeed while resolving the issue
Seek Veterinary Care When
  • Multiple fish dying despite water changes
  • Ammonia or nitrite levels remain dangerously high
  • Fish show signs of disease (spots, lesions, fin rot)
  • You cannot identify the cause

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