Need Help

[JR]

Just came in from the hospital. Went to check on Jim's fish. One of the tanks is beeping. This tank has Jim's Chocolate Gourami's in it. Two are dead and the rest don't look like they always do. I don't know how to check the water. But the temp. is only 69 degrees. The little blue light on the heater is not on. And I can not turn it on. If the rest of these fish die he will be very upset. Can you help me.

[Mugwump]

Look for another heater laying around somewhere...that temp needs to come up....are the lights on??...sometimes the bulbs can help keep the temp up on small tanks....

[LizStreithorst]

If you can't find another heater, put one from another tank in the cold tank until you can get to the store and pick up a new one.  It will take a while for the temp in the heaterless tank to drop to dangerous levels. 

[Mir]

And if it's not only the cold causing the problem and you don't have a test kit or don't know how to use it, you could take a sample of the water to a local fish store and they will probably test it for you for free.

[LizStreithorst]

My guess is that is was the cold.  Gourami's are like Discus.  They like the water warm.  Does Jim's friend know how to do a water change the way Jim does it?

I sure would like to hear an update on the fish.  AND an update on Jim!

Most of all, I would like to know how you're holding up.  I've been there with a critically ill husband.  I know what it's like.  I know that the last thing you needed is to be presented with something like dead fish and not have a clue.  Stay strong.  I will be thinking of you.