Fish wont eat HELP!!!!

Question
Hello,
I am having major problems with my fish. I have a 30 gallon tank with an aqueon 10 power filter and I do a 15% water change every three days and refill it with the same amount and have recently bought new fish. I have bought two Dinosaur bichir, an angelfish, and an algea eater(medium) and already had a blue gourami. Unfortunately, they absolutely refuse to eat. They appear happy and healthy, but will not eat. I've tried bloodworms, and flakes both tropical and goldfish. This has happened everytime I have attempted to keep pet fish, they starve themselves and waste away. I hate to see it happen bacause I love them so, and really want to get into the hobby.
Thank you, Aaron

Answer
Hi Aaron;

I would check the water chemistry so get some test kits or have the fish store test it for you. If there is any detection of ammonia or nitrite they are being bothered by it and will stop eating. They should both be "zero" in an established aquarium. Make a daily 25% water change until they both go down and stay down. The addition of so many new fish at one time can cause these toxins to rise until the bio-system can grow enough beneficial bacteria to compensate. Whenever you add new fish it should be no more than one inch for every ten gallons. Wait a week and then add another inch for every ten gallons. It gives the system time to stabilize.

You might also need to try live or frozen foods. Bichirs are predators and may not accept any dried foods at all. Frozen looks and smells more like live so it may help. I hope they eat for you soon. Just be sure to siphon out uneaten food immediately so it doesn't foul the water...

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins