Guppies Dying

[jawg1412]

hello firstly let me introduce myself my name is jawg (parents fault) and ive just set up what i hope will be a comunity tank approx three weeks ago the tank is 6x2x1.5 feet is fully planted and has all the required heating and filtration etc my ph is 7 temp 76 nitrite level is to high at the moment but is falling nicely the only fish i have in the tank are 6 swords and three guppies the problem im having is that in the last week ive lost 7 guppies the guppies were bought in threes and only replaced when dead please can anyone help

 

[K.J.]

Someone better could tell you, but guppies aren't hardy, so, I don't know. Nitrates might be a bit high too.

 

[WILDER]

The tank is still cycling so it will take it's toll on the fish, even hardy fish struggle with a cycle
They have to go through the ammonia and nitrite process so it takes alot out of them, it can cause there immune system to shut down.
Add some salt if you only have livebearers in the tank one tablespoon to 5 gals, but add it gradually rather than in one big dose.
If the fish are gasping at the top of the tank, or laying on the bottom preform a small water change of 10%.
Also in a cycling tank best to increase aeration by turning the filter flow up, or by adding an airstone ran by a airpump.