My fish seem doomed

[Branch1]

I have now had my tank for about 5 months.

I have had teething problems but got them sorted.

My water is fine as per the LFS, I took them a smple and they tested it.

I like and trust this shop - the owner refuses to stock dyed fish for ethical reasons.

My fish one by one just die!

No Ich no dropsy no signs of any disease.

Temp all good Nitrates and Nitrites all acceptable according to my own tester.

How often do other peoples fish die? How often do other people replace their fish?

i think 5 months is a little short for lifespan. They seem happy and eat are curious about new stuff in the tank. They socialise etc then stop eating loose colour and die.

I do not want to get more fish if I am doing something wrong. I do not want to condemn them. What to do?

 

[impur]

What is your filtration? Water change schedule? Other fish? Feeding? Need more info.

 

[Nisha]

Sorry to hear about your situation. It's always horrible to lose fish.

There are many factors that could be the cause of fish death in your tank. Many fish live for 2-5 years or longer under the right care and conditions. It is often difficult to pinpoint what the reasons are but with a more info perhaps it can be figured out.

It would help if you could provide information on:
How many gallons your tank is?
How many fish and of which type?
Water readings?
Temp?
How many times and how much do you feed them?
Did you cycle your tank before adding your fish?
What ornaments, stones, decorations in the tank?
Plants in the tank?

...and any other info you think might be important.

Don't give up on the hobby just yet. With a little bit of research, care and understanding, fish keeping can be very rewarding and enjoyable.

 

[Branch1]

Jnternal filter with carbon

5 Neons (were 7 replaced some)

4 Poor mans Tetra's (Were 5 or 6 can't remember)

1 Glowlight (Were 5 and replaced another 3)

1 Platy (2 died)

2 swordtail m + f

1 sailfin m (f died)

had 5 blood heart tetras they died one by one over 2 months


Change water about 15-20% once a week. Deaths are unrelated to water change schedule. Can occur before or after no change in fish condition.

You can spot the next to g. they get pale start hyperventing stop eating shimmy and either sit at surface or hide.


They get flakes , dried worms and fresh cucumber.

We had a lot of snails but the have tapereed off and seem to be maintaining

 

[Branch1]

I think 20 gal 78 litres?

rocks in tank- came with the tank and was previously in a tank with very healthy fish. I cleaned it thoroughly before adding.

I committed the newbiue sin and added fish without cycling.

I have plants - floating and rooted at all levels of tank.

 

[Nisha]

Could you be overfeeding? Once a day feeding is often enough for most fish.
With lots of plants the fish should be feeling secure as long as the area the tank is in is relatively quiet and peaceful.
Are the fish interacting well with each other?

 

[impur]

A few more questions to add: Do you dechlorinate the new water? Have you tested your tap water? What are the results of the tests on your tank water? Where are you buying these fish? Do you use any type of chemicals, cleaning or otherwise, in the same room that the tank is in?

 

[David]

How much fresh cucumber do you feed? If given too much, this can mess with their digestion.