I'ce checked the water about an hour and a half ago and found the results: ph-7.0; ammonia-0.25; nitrite-0; and nitrate-20. After finding those results (wasn't happy at all with them), I did a 50% water change, took out the pebbles inside, rinse and soaked with hot water for about five to ten minutes, scooped whatever can't be vacuumed, rinsed the filter pad, threw away snail shells that are empty and breaking apart, and threw away remaining parts of the pleco I didn't know had died (I think the nitrate could have been made by whatever is left of the body). After the water change, I added AquaPlus and a small amount of aquarium salt. I know I don't need to, but I figured that I probably should after the 50% water change and cleaning of the filter.

Another one of the fish is starting to not feel that good, having transparent waste. I'm going to get internal parasite medicine for him and hopefully he'll make it through it. If the nitrate was due to the remains of the fish, then it probably would have been okay without it. Maybe there are parasites in there and killing my fish so I'll put the internal parasite medicine in there. As for the salt, I'll stop using it for the next three to four water changes to see how they'll do. I also unplugged the heater, set it back to 76F, in chase the temperature changes again (the weather here keeps changing, one day you can wear short sleeves and the next your wearing a coat). I don't see any difference in the fish yet, but hopefully they'll be okay. For some strange reason, I never seem to have problems with ammonia in my tanks.

Anyway, I'll update the progress on my fish again about every other day, every two days, or so. I'll test the water again tomorrow to see if the nitrate decreased, even the smallest amount and will post again. I know I procrastinate too much, but those cute faces and beady eyes seem to kick my behind into gear and get me moving (I have a weak spot for beady eyes and cute faces).

BB