Not Clowning Around!

[kindaobsessed]

I have a 12g Nano Cube up for 6 weeks. Water parameters are great: no ammonia, nitrite, nitrates, ph 8.2, temp 79, salinity 1.024, 10% changes weekly, alk 125...
I've tried two pairs false-perc clowns. First pair--juveniles--the smaller clown died in two weeks. He might have been picked on.Traded in the survivor for another pair. This time they were mated Ocellaros. Drip acclimated them. Again, the smaller (male) started doing somersaults and acting wierd. Put him in a QT, but he's not looking good. The larger perc is doing fine....so what gives?
My wife really wanted a pair to mingle, but no dice so far.
Any suggestions? I'm really stumped!

[hr]
Rick
I never lie 'cause my memory stinks

 

[salty_0ne]

Hey man I know this wont help and dont pertain to your problem but when I was messing with fresh water aquariums I tried to keed Oscar fish and they died everytime and they are suppose to be very hardy. I never had bad luck with any other fish. Just a thought.
VERY GOOD LUCK TO YOU MAN

 

[pyro]

anything else in the tank?

 

[kindaobsessed]

Other tank inhabitants--One clown left, a skunk cleaner shrimp, and various hermits and snails. By the way, is the surviving mated clown okay when its mate perishes?