Angel help please

[Linsay]

Our tank has been very stable with no appreciable ammonia or nitrites. I know we are on the high side but decided to add one angel for variety. The first angel I brought home looked a little ill out of the bag and died shortly after transfer. We went back to Petco and got a new angel. It did great all night long, but after I went out to a soccer game today, I came home and it was dead

I checked my water and my ammonia is still 0!

I don't know if the store just has some sick (yes, I know, Allie - quarentine tank) angels, or if something in my tank is toxic to them!
Any ideas??

I have a 20 gal. with 3 turquoise rainbows, 5 roberti tetras, 1 bristle nose, and 2 upside down cats.

Thanks,
Linda

 

[Menagerie]

Sounds like a sick batch of angels at the store. How are the other fish in your tank acting?

 

[Allivymar]

How are you acclimating them? Whats the difference between the lfs pH and you tank's?

If its not disease related, it may be pH related.

 

[Linsay]

I think you have it, Alli - I checked my pH and it is off the scale. I was worried about my ammonia and didn't even consider my pH levels. My other fish don't seem to have a problem with it being so high. I think it is odd that my water is so basic but......I guess angels are out for me until I find some way of controlling it.
I just feel really really bad that 2 angels had to die for me to figure it out

 

[Devilishturtles]

This was the case with me until I found out that my water was extremely hard. And then found out that angels are softwater fish. They are a delicate species in my opinion. I have been able to keep one angel alive in my tank. It has grown huge ( about 5 inches so far), but no others have been able to survive. Good luck with them.