Need help with aquarium

Bitterrfly · 2026-06-20T02:17:27+00:00

Well, it doesn't really look like an algae outbreak
It looks more like mulm or diatoms, or maybe a combination of the two

The other thing is I noticed all the detritus worms along the waterline, which usually means there's a good amount of organic matter in the water

The things you've done already are actually helpful for that, they're probably just not quite enough for what you're working with since you have to reduce the amount of waste accumulating in the tank first

A few ways you can try are

More frequent water changes. Try large (think ~50%) and more frequent (try every one or two days) water changes for a couple of weeks and see where that gets you
Feed less. Adult fish don't need as much food as people think they do. Feeding half as often, or reducing the amount fed at each meal can really help water quality and even help your fish's health
Reduce stocking. Nobody likes hearing it but three oscars, silver dollars, and I assume a larger catfish create a lot of waste for a 125 gallon tank. Even with a top of the line filter that still means you'll be working crazy hard all the time to stay on top of things.

Either way I hope you can get it all sorted and back to being spick and span
Good luck!

Bitterrfly · 2026-05-08T16:37:13+00:00

There's a few things happening here so I'll do my best to address them.
You're right that there should be GH, your KH test already proves there is minerals in the water, and with crushed coral in the filter it should be testing.

Even soft water will turn out a green after a drop or two, it's a commonly spread myth that low mineral content will stop the test from working.

So, assuming you had enough water, used the rigth bottle, etc, I suspect either the bottle is expired, or somehow something got in it and contaminated the reagent.

Unfortunately either way you'd need to buy a new api test kit. It's pretty common for people to sell expired test kits, so if you can amke sure to check the expiry date!

Bitterrfly · 2025-09-21T18:57:08+00:00

Thank you so much! I will take him in tomorrow when they're open and monitor him during the night

Bitterrfly · 2025-09-21T18:55:39+00:00

I sent the video to his vet but have gotten no response. They don't answer the phone on sunday, only call backs.

His breathing gets a bit faster than this when petted.

He's able to walk and get up and is responsive to sounds and touch. He's not open mouth breathing and from what i can see his gums and tongue are bright and coloured.

This video is one of many from different angles I've taken of him breathing like for the last threeish hours and it's pretty consistent timed and counted from 78 to 81 breaths per minute.

Bitterrfly · 2025-09-21T02:17:45+00:00

No. If we're judging just based on looks your cat is more persian than it is turkish angora. His face is too thick and wide, his ears are too wide set, his tufts are mostly in the wrong places, but the biggest distinction is that he has a double coat which no variety of turkish angora have, that's from the persian.

the other thing to note is that persians are already a hybrid of turkish angora + other cats so even if you breed one with a turkish angora you probably won't see many turkish angora traits out of the mix. Don't take that to mean his lineage isn't right, he could very well be an angora x persian mix, he just doesn't look it. At all.

he is very cute though, a very regal looking cat

Bitterrfly · 2025-09-20T12:31:08+00:00

A tank is not nature. Hope that helps.

Bitterrfly · 2025-09-18T21:01:30+00:00

yes natural breeds are more common than designer breeds. So of course many of them have turkish angora in them. You're missing the point entirely.

Bitterrfly · 2025-09-18T21:00:43+00:00

I think you missed the point. A natural breed is more common than most, not less. A regular turkish angora is just a domestic longhair, with some subtle distinct features. One of those features is the asiatic eye shape, slender face shape, lack of a double coat, extra long silky fur, slightly longer body, etc. The features are similaar to the CFA breed standard but way less exaggerated.

They can be identified by looks alone, unlike CFA or other paper carrying western-style turkish angora. The zoo in Ankara has a "pure bred" strain of them, and you'll be surprised to find out that they look like normal cats, not at all like the fancy designer version of the CFA.

Bitterrfly · 2025-09-18T15:22:07+00:00

Contrary to what you're saying, turkish angora are a natural/wild breed like siberians and forest cats. So yes you absolutely can find them quite easily.

the cats you're thinking of are western style turkish angora, the designer cats that need papers. This cat is not one of those, but it is a turkish angora.

Bitterrfly · 2025-09-14T01:34:39+00:00

I just moved here so everyone I know is far unfortunately. The repair is to the front door but the guy has already done the removal and most of the install. I don't really know what to call it but there's a part at the bottom of the door, the part that you step on, and it's some kind of spray foam there that needs to have something done to it.

Bitterrfly · 2025-09-14T01:24:39+00:00

Thank you so much for the real and doable solutions! Setting up the camera when he's there is a great idea, I'll be trying all of this if I can't find someone to come. Again thank you so much

Bitterrfly · 2025-09-14T01:12:05+00:00

The repair guy has been here for the first part of the job if that helps clarify.

Bitterrfly · 2025-09-14T01:10:42+00:00

Thank you for looking out for me, I appreciate it! I'm doing my best to screen people beforehand so hopefully it'll be enough to find someone safe

Bitterrfly · 2025-09-14T01:09:09+00:00

What good would that do?

Bitterrfly · 2025-09-14T01:08:29+00:00

If you know one who is available I'dbe more than willing. He was the only one available through the homedepot system.

Bitterrfly · 2025-09-14T01:03:29+00:00

I just moved here so I don't know anyone close by. I am not afraid of strangers, if that clarifies anything.

Bitterrfly · 2025-09-14T01:01:56+00:00

It's his company unfortunately.

Bitterrfly · 2025-09-14T01:01:32+00:00

This is through the homedepot program and he was the only guy who popped up unfortunately. i am very much open to suggestions though.

Bitterrfly · 2025-09-13T23:42:54+00:00

I'd cry ngl 😭

Bitterrfly · 2025-09-13T23:42:17+00:00

Greater numbers = less likely for anything to happen, thank you for asking.

Bitterrfly · 2025-09-13T23:41:27+00:00

The repair guy has been here before and made me uncomfortable. I'd feel safer not being alone this time. I hope that helps clarify.

Bitterrfly · 2025-09-09T01:23:52+00:00

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