Having a bad fish day

**lahlumdi** · 02-16-2010, 06:12 PM

Wah. I have been posting on other places about my problem with my tank (bottom feeders, and plants).

But on top of everything - I was cleaning and scrubbing with vinegar solution on my algae covered castle and wood... I tried to be so careful. But somehow I must have lost a piece of gravel into the garbage disposal. Now that is jammed. Great. Just great. As if husband doesn't have enough projects to do after a 10-12 hour day at work (busy time at the office).

And maybe I'll lose more fish.

And it seems like people are trying to give advice, but sometimes it is even contrary to the other.

And of course... water changes. Up to my arm pit in water changes.

I just needed to vent. Before I cry.

**Scrup** · 02-16-2010, 06:15 PM

Sorry to hear...

For what its worth...
disposals are not that hard to unjam, just use common sense- dont touch the switch while its on. I usually just use a screwdriver and spin the blade a bit, should dislodge the gravel. Underneath the sink there is a little reset switch, just hit that after you get the gravel out, and try it again.

**annageckos** · 02-16-2010, 06:37 PM

Sometimes things just do not work they way you would like. And not everything works the same for everyone, eventhou it may be the same problem. There are sertain fish I have given up on (for now) because they keep dieing. Like for me it was my rams and apistos. They would do great and then just die. Fine one day, dead the next. But my kuhli loaches bred. And some plants just do not do well in my tanks. So if they die, I go on to the next plant. Try to just take it all in stride. You are doing what you can and that is all you can do.

**lahlumdi** · 02-16-2010, 06:47 PM

Thanks to both of you for bringing some perspective. After my water change I will work on the disposal and look for that reset button. Actually I already looked for a jam, and I can't find one. But it is not working except for a hum. So the reset is probably what I need.

**Scrup** · 02-16-2010, 06:52 PM

the blades should spin when you apply pressure, if not, they are jammed. probably underneath one of them. Forcing them to spin would be your best bet. There is usually a wrench that you can use that goes in the bottom, but moving it from the topside works just as well.

If it hums it is not the reset button, its trying to spin, but cant. The reset is just a breaker.

**HeatherB** · 02-16-2010, 08:08 PM

And if all else fails, throw some rice down there, cook him a nice dinner ( with rice of course) , and when he gets home, just mention the rice stopped it up!

**WoadCelt** · 02-16-2010, 09:10 PM

I'm sorry to hear you're having such a bad day - things can certainly be tough at times. Don't worry I'm sure it'll all work out. *super hugz*

**Mith** · 02-16-2010, 10:35 PM

Originally Posted by lahlumdi

Thanks to both of you for bringing some perspective. After my water change I will work on the disposal and look for that reset button. Actually I already looked for a jam, and I can't find one. But it is not working except for a hum. So the reset is probably what I need.

Re the disposal. If it buzzes, its working and u don't have to hit a reset button.

You can do a couple things to unjam it. One, move the blades (a broom stick handle works well) then turn it on. The reason is buzzes is because the blades are lodged up against the debris. Moving the blades gives the blades a little running stary before they contact the debris. This can often give the blades enough momentum.

The second method is to grab a flash light and see if you can spot the debris. If you can, then you may be able to "surgically" remove it (not with yer fingers....use needlenose or similar sdevice.

Third method....put on a REALLY REALLY SEXY lingerie and give your hubby motivation...LOL

Good luck.

**Rue** · 02-16-2010, 10:42 PM

So sorry things aren't going smoothly...I hate days like that.

Take a deep breath and relax. I hope the disposal isn't jammed.

The vinegar shouldn't be a huge problem...I would hope.

What is wrong with the tank? In general?

**lahlumdi** · 02-16-2010, 11:36 PM

Originally Posted by Mith

Third method....put on a REALLY REALLY SEXY lingerie and give your hubby motivation...LOL

Good luck.

This might be a best recourse after a long day. He just called and it sounds like he'll be getting home about NINE PM!

Originally Posted by RUE

What is wrong with the tank? In general?

The corys have not been doing well, especially the more sensitive black finned ones. General consensus is that the nitrates are too high in the gravel... perhaps even the gravel is causing a problem.

The corys have been slowly dying. Now the black fins recently have gotten mouth sores and lost their barbels.