Test Results for my tank...

[hermitkrab]

I finally got my Salifert test kit from swf.com. I got the ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and pH kits. My ammonia is .25, nitrite .1, Nitrate .1, and pH 8.0. Are those levels okay? I lost four fish and I'm losing a couple hermits. The two fish dissapeared. One got sucked into my ph. And the other I found dead (he was breathing hard and couldn't swim, also had some brown stuff around and under his mouth). Could it be my levels that killed my fish (besides the ph accident) and my slow death of hermits? My hermits pop up dead then are eaten by their tank mates (I have scarlet hermits). Although 12 of my 22 hermits are at least still alive and most of my snails are still okay. I only lost one cleaner shrimp but he died like a couple mins. after I added him but the other cleaner, pepper, and two monkey shrimp have been fine for over 4 weeks. What could be causing this?

 

[bigarn]

Salifert's are the best out there, so evidently you still have ammonia and nitrites. This could be the cause of the livestock dieing.

 

[arkey.d]

Yes I agree with the tests, but what about your Specific Gravity? Did you top off or do any water changes?

 

[hermitkrab]

Well my saltinity is 1.024 and my PPT is like 33. About three times a week I add 3 or more gallons of distilled water without salt to top off my tank. And every other week I do a 6 gal. water change of distilled water w/ salt. What should I do to stop everything from dieing?

 

[arkey.d]

You need to get your Ammonia and Nitrites down. I would use Nitrex in your PowerFilter to get rid of your high levels. It's made in Germany and rids your take of those chemicals. It's good for 6 months before you need to change it. I have always used it in my SWAs. You can get it at Dr Foster & Smiths online for about $14 a box.

 

[hermitkrab]

Thanks. I'll order some tonight.

 

[meadbhb]

Hiya,
How long has your tank been set up? I'm wondering if the tank is still cycling?
If so, you need to really consider removing all your fish and inverts, since most don't make it through a cycle.
Meadbhb

 

[hermitkrab]

My tank has been up before December so it has definately had plenty of time to cycle. I waited almost 7 weeks until I added livestock. Although I had a monkey shrimp in there since my tank's second week and amazingly he is still as alive as ever after a 50% water change and very unstable levels. Although I believe if what arkey.d said is true in a week or two everything should be at 95% saftey level. Missing that 5% because you never know what could happen to any sw tank. But I will give you all an update on my levels after the nitrex has had a week or teo to do its thing. Thanks again all for the quick help and ingenious soulitions! These forms are the best!
:happy: