fish death (freshwater)

Question
QUESTION: I have a 75 gallon tank. My tank is cycled and I have a problem with fish dying. All of my testing for the tank are normal. I do regular water changes and filters each month. All of my original fish are ok except for any new ones. I have Balloon Rams and they have been in the tank for about a week. I lost all 5 except for 1 and now that one is dying. I also loose new fish after about a week. I add the fish into the tank as recommended. I don't know what else to do. Hope You can help me Thank You

ANSWER: Hi Sheila,

I'd like you to send me some additional information.

I'd like the actual test results of the water.

That will help tremendously for me to see if the parameters are indeed okay.

It sounds like your rituals for cleaning are optimal, indeed.  

Meantime, til the readings get back to me...check for electrical leaks, water touching a light and perhaps electrocuting fish at a slow rate, for metal in the water, check plants, decorations...make sure nothing is toxic and if you use lava rock, remove it.  Often that is the cuplrit...leaking small amounts of sulfur into the water toxifying it.

PH is a big factor with cichlids, so let's take a look at the parameters and see if we can't come up with some solutions for you.

Meantime, don't lose heart.  I will help you all I am able.

Renee

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello Renee thank you for responding back to my question. You wanted to know the test results for my tank. Ph 7.0- Nitrites, Nitrates normal- Ammonia Normal- Water chemistry is good and Oxygen is good.
I have a 55 gallon tank with cichlids and they are fine. The tank that is giving me problems is the 75 gallon. In the tank are 4 skirt tails, 2 Severron, and a algae eater. They are the original fish since I had the tank which is about 3 months.

I am having the issue with new fish they die within a week. All the plants are aquatic safe and I checked all the other items that you suggested. I have lost about 8 Balloon Rams. I dont want to keep buying fish and they die right away.

I Hope the information that I gave you can help you with my problem
Thank You Sheila

Answer
Hi Sheila,

I suggest a couple changes.  

First, add some R/O water.  Go to a water fill station and get a gallon of water from that unit or buy a bottled water to fill half the tank full.  The PH is a bit toward the high end for Balloon Rams.

If the nitrites show anything, even a hair of color, on the strip, that is a cause.  Nitrites cause Ammonia.  It's deadly to sensitive fishes like Rams.

Change water if that's the issue.

Temperature can be another issue.  What temperature are you keeping fish at?

Thanks,
Renee