Cherry barbs attacking each other, one is dead another is hurt.

[Byron]

The first fish that died also had that the loss of colour but the second fish (the one in the picture) was fine until it got attacked and I think out of stress it lost all of the colour.

What shows in the photo is not mere loss of colour, but we have members who will be able to offer more.

 

[enfiskejer]

Can you run a full water test please

It is quite rare but not unknown for Cherries to be aggressive if the water chemistry is off

Failing that, even though normally Cherries are not the most aggressive Barb, you might have to take them all back to the shop if they refuse to settle down

The last thing you need or want is a stressful community aquarium...its bad for the fish and its bad for you too cos you can never feel relaxed just watching the fish, you'll start dreading turning the lights on in the morning for fear of more trouble from their squabbling

I tested the water for ammonia and nitrite (my nitrate test doesn't work).
They were both at zero and my pH was 7.6 (as always).

 

[Deleted member 149562]

I think you might have to bite the bullet and return all the Cherries, let the aquarium settle for a week or two with regular maintenance to allow any potential irritants to disperse (I would go sort a new nitrate test asap) and maybe go different fish to start off again with

Fishkeeping should be relaxing, not fraught with desperation or dread as to who is surviving or not on a daily basis as with these Cherries

I have no idea why these Cherries are acting the way that they are, it is unusual behaviour and you have obviously done everything that you can to make them comfortable and healthy. It is a bit of a mystery tbh. Your pH is pretty much fine...unless the nitrates are too high, they don't tolerate anything over 40 and 40 is pushing it really.

It is very odd, but for your sanity and the fish health/welfare, it would probably be best to return them all and rethink the stocking once you have a nitrate test kit/result

 

[enfiskejer]

I think you might have to bite the bullet and return all the Cherries, let the aquarium settle for a week or two with regular maintenance to allow any potential irritants to disperse (I would go sort a new nitrate test asap) and maybe go different fish to start off again with

Fishkeeping should be relaxing, not fraught with desperation or dread as to who is surviving or not on a daily basis as with these Cherries

I have no idea why these Cherries are acting the way that they are, it is unusual behaviour and you have obviously done everything that you can to make them comfortable and healthy. It is a bit of a mystery tbh. Your pH is pretty much fine...unless the nitrates are too high, they don't tolerate anything over 40 and 40 is pushing it really.

It is very odd, but for your sanity and the fish health/welfare, it would probably be best to return them all and rethink the stocking once you have a nitrate test kit/result

I returned them today, hopefully next time I put fish in it will be a bit more smooth sailing!
Thanks for the help @wasmewasntit, @Byron and the others that replied, really appreciate it

 

[Deleted member 149562]

No worries, at least now you won't be getting frustrated with what was happening

Did you get a new nitrate test kit since your old one wasn't working right as that will be invaluable when choosing your stock later on

 

[enfiskejer]

No worries, at least now you won't be getting frustrated with what was happening

Did you get a new nitrate test kit since your old one wasn't working right as that will be invaluable when choosing your stock later on

I will get one before I even think add about adding more fish don't worry