Hello again!
After having cycled the tank, I went to the LFS and purchased the following a few days ago:
- 8 cardinal tetras
- 4 live plants
Unfortunately, the fish don't seem to be doing too great ... one died within 24 hours, another two within 48 hours and one more this morning. Currently 4/8 remain.
I re-tested the water and the parameters seem fine (Ammonia = 0; Nitrites = 0; Nitrates seem to be about 5-10). My pH is around 7.5. I checked with the store and their pH is similar (we both use regular tap water with no chemicals/buffers). They also quarantine all of their fish for 2 weeks before putting them up for sale and they double-checked their tank and the fish appear healthy.
Not sure why so many finish died so quickly ... I spent a decent amount of time (perhaps 30 minutes) acclimating them, first by floating and then adding some tank water to the bag before netting them into the tank.
Questions:
A) Any idea why the fish aren't doing well? The LFS guy suggested that I was doing everything right but that these fish often do better in an 'established' tank that has been running for months ...
B) There are only 4 left, which is a very small school ... should I go back and get some more to try and build a proper school of these fish?
I had some plant-related questions as well, but I think I'll post that on the 'planted tank' board.
Thanks as usual!
After having cycled the tank, I went to the LFS and purchased the following a few days ago:
- 8 cardinal tetras
- 4 live plants
Unfortunately, the fish don't seem to be doing too great ... one died within 24 hours, another two within 48 hours and one more this morning. Currently 4/8 remain.
I re-tested the water and the parameters seem fine (Ammonia = 0; Nitrites = 0; Nitrates seem to be about 5-10). My pH is around 7.5. I checked with the store and their pH is similar (we both use regular tap water with no chemicals/buffers). They also quarantine all of their fish for 2 weeks before putting them up for sale and they double-checked their tank and the fish appear healthy.
Not sure why so many finish died so quickly ... I spent a decent amount of time (perhaps 30 minutes) acclimating them, first by floating and then adding some tank water to the bag before netting them into the tank.
Questions:
A) Any idea why the fish aren't doing well? The LFS guy suggested that I was doing everything right but that these fish often do better in an 'established' tank that has been running for months ...
B) There are only 4 left, which is a very small school ... should I go back and get some more to try and build a proper school of these fish?
I had some plant-related questions as well, but I think I'll post that on the 'planted tank' board.
Thanks as usual!