Dead fish

[Anna94]

I just found a dead cardinal tetra and I noticed one disappeared a week ago, but I can't find it so maybe it got eaten by my other fish. I tested my water 3 days ago using the Seachem Ammonia and nitrates/nitrites test kits and ammonia was between 0.01 and 0.02. Nitrites were 0 and nitrates were between 7.5 and 10. My other fish are cardinal tetras, lemon tetras, Celebes rainbows, an oto, and a horseface loach. I just noticed another cardinal looks faded in color and a little bloated. I included pics of him and the dead cardinal. Tank is a 29 gallon tall and I do weekly water changes. Ammonia has always been present in my tank and I've done everything possible to lower it to 0 and nothing has worked.

 

[V227]

Cardinals and neon tetras are relatively difficult to maintain. The only really successful cardinal tanks I've seen are heavily planted, soft dark water types.
I read that you already have a group of rainbows. Maybe consider adding a few Australian rainbows if the cardinals don't pull through.
The Aussie rainbows probably will tolerate your less than perfect water conditions. I keep a small school of them in my grow out tank. They are ravenous eaters, keeping the tank cleaner. No scraps on the bottom of tank. Might help a little with your ammonia problem.
A. Rainbows are inexpensive, a bit plain looking as juveniles, but really color up as adults. Good luck with your tank.

 

[rlederer]

Cardinals live only a year in the wild and maybe 2-3 years in a tank if conditions are good. How old are these guys?