Why won't my fish live?

Salt will not naturally dechlorinate. In the very least you should be using something like Prime to treat it before adding it. Depending on your tap, you may keep experiencing algae issues down the road. But I doubt tap is what is killing your fish. I also doubt copper or stray voltage is an issue, as you are keeping inverts. They would be the first to go if either was a problem, well before the fish would.
I had assumed you had ammonia because you said >.25 (like you couldn't tell exactly). I would invest in a different ammonia kit. That amount of inaccuracy, at least to me, is not acceptable and is disappointing in Salifert. .25 could be fatal to many different creatures. You need to know exactly what it is in that range.
With that being said, I would bet you just had bad luck with the livestock. Probably the fish were already on their way out before you got them, or the acclimation was just too long and overly stressed them. Pick up a different ammonia kit, verify it's at 0, and try again. Make sure to observe them feeding before you purchase them, and try my suggestion for acclimation.

 

because copper is a common medication used in freshwater tanks... a used freshwater tank very well could have copper in it because of this. copper does not leave the tank just because it's been cleaned out a bit and sitting in the garage... Not saying that's your prob, but that is why it came up. Special procedures are generally followed to de-copper a freshwater tank... if this is your problem, it will haunt you until rectified. I do not suspect it, but I would take it to LFS to have them test for it. Rule it out.

That's just goofy of salifert. That is a margin of error that is too big for most reef inhabitants. I would suggest changing tests, but having your LFS test for it in the meantime to cross verify.

As stated, salt water does not dechlorinate. I use to use tap. I would let it sit for a day, add the prime drops, let it sit for a day, then use it. Probably over kill... but it worked for me. I now use RO/DI.

How big is your tank again? 100 gallon? (to = 1%)

I think any potential problem caused by this will naturally dissipate now that you are no longer adding chlorine.




I also agree that you should always have the LFS feed the fish. They have never given me any grief about that - a normal request. Fish doesn't eat, I don't buy it. period.


There's a good chance you got a perfect storm working against you. Fish not eating, traces of chlorine, an arguably stressful acclimation procedure (I do the float/add water to bag method too).

All of these are easily fixed by you. Just fix them each and wait a few weeks to let things settle back down and try again. Patience is key.

 

I thought about that too, but all 4 fish? Am not saying that that theory is far fetched, just a little hard to believe. If he's using tap water without any kind of filtering or stabillizing, he's leaving the door open for anything to enter his tank. He should have his tap water tested, at least to find out what is his TDS reading.




Luna

 

I would also check the expiration dates on the other tests. If the nitrate is giving a false reading, that also could be it. You did mention you used non-live sand. Where did you get the sand from? Its possible there is something in it or was the sand alos used in a FW setup?
I tested the LFS water before I added my fish a few times. they're salinity was at 1.012 and I am at 1.024. Yeah, I acclimated slowly also.
Just tryin to this of things till your LFS does some tests for the other suggestions.

 

I would NOT think copper. Only reason is that it's the FISH dying, not inverts.....who knows. Have they all been fromt he same LFS?

 

He's got a couple pretty large turbos in there though. Copper tends to wipe out inverts faster than fish. What type of base water are you using to make your salt water? If you are using tap, it could be chlorine/chlorimine poisoning, other heavy metals, and who knows what else.

 

If their tanks are at a 1.012 SG, I would look for a new LFS. With such a low SG, they are trying to hide some other problems, like ICH. Those problems will creep up in "normal" SG water.

 

AMEN!!! It should be higher than that. They probably say it's for the health of the fish, but it's really because they are either cheap or hiding a parasite problem.

Cardinals, especially Bangaii's are prone to internal parasites and should be dewormed by the LFS. Start with a different species of fish, one that is a little more hardy. Also, ask if they are buying live caught or tank raised Bangaii's. "Long rant building up inside that I'm trying really hard to keep inside," but it is irresponsible of any lfs to carry live caught Bangaii's.

Ginny

 

well everyone pretty much gave good advice.

kudos for Lunatik...
I also think the problem could come from the used things, maybe the tap water you use. Although you should always ask to see the fish eat at the LFS, just to make sure they are healthy and i do doubt is copper, since your inverts are alive

 

You can put a fish in shock going from that low of a salinity to 1.024, regardless of acclimation. If you had a copper problem your inverts would most likely be toast.

A test kit for ammonia for reef tanks should have a measurement of < 0 ppm. Salifert is a good brand. Is that a test kit for reef tanks?

Like Luna said, with all this mystery you should have your water straight tested.. your investment is so huge and so worth it. Good luck buddy we're here for you.

BTW it does sound like the pet store was using hypersalinity to treat any parasites or possible parasite.. you have to bring the salinity back up slower over days to avoid shock. If they sold you this fish with their water at 1.012 they should replace your fish... well I think so.. They could even be using swing arm hydrometers and not refractometers.