squishys not himself

[Laki]

Oh my god, I'm so sorry!
Remember he might have succumbed to an illness resulting from the pet store, I am under the impression you only had him a little while. Don't beat yourselves up about it, sometimes there is nothing we can do that will bring a sick fish back. Swim in Peace Squishy.

[kyle89]

What would cause a spike like this in a week old tank. How is this prevented

[Laki]

That looks quite high, but unfortunately is not uncommon in a new tank which is beginning a cycle. You said your gf kept a 5g? Running a new filter for a few days sometimes produces some cloudy water as beneficial bacteria establish a colony. I am not sure on the specifics but as a tank begins a cycle, usually the ammonia and nitrite spike to lethal levels. Then, some tanks don't at all.

I would say this is your problem. A new tank trying to cycle, using Squishy's poop as an ammonia source and then spiking and killing him. This is a hard way to see them go, it happened to me with my first betta Lakitu. He is buried now and currently thawing in the spring ground and leeching into the tree in the backyard.

It's easy for me to say not to give up. I know losing one fish is hard but I suggest running the tank still so it can balance its levels in time if you change your mind.

Bless.

[kyle89]

We already got another betta an set up the tank. It has a small ammonia reading but prime has brought it down

[Laki]

Oh good! For the first few days it would be helpful to change 20% or so of the water to keep ammonia in check.

[callistra]

Prime does not remove ammonia, It coverts it temporarily. Only water changes will remove ammonia safely: http://www.bettafish.com/showthread.php?t=47838

[Agility4fun]

So sad to hear about Squishy. I have lost 2 bettas over the last 8 months and it makes me sad, but I learn something new from each one on how to be a better fish keeper. Glad to hear you have a new one, would love to see some pictures.

[callistra]

Sorry you lost your first fish :(