Hi There,

I have had 6 fish die in the last week. 3 smallish ones, a smallish pickerus catfish, but also a big male lombardi and a big male red top. I also have a big ghost knife who I think will probably be dead by morning as he is just lying sideways on the bottom of the tank. I don't know if it is the heat as it is very hot in Australia this summer, but I already have the heater turned off and don't know what else to do. I actually put some ice cubes in the tank and put the fan on it and the temperature inside the tank has gone down more than a degree, but I can't exactly do that all day as I have to go to work. I am taking a sample of water to the aquarium in the morning to be tested, but the tank is as clean as it has always been so I don't think that is the problem. It is quite upsetting as they were not only beautiful fish, but they were my babies. Any ideas?:-(

Hi Jo,

Sorry to hear that your fish aren't doing well. Before I can offer any meaningful advice I'll need some more information.

How big is your tank?

Exactly how many fish and of what species are in it?

How long has your tank been up and running?

What are your water parameters (including temperature)? I know you mentioned that you were taking some water to get tested in the morning. Get a test kit that includes at least the following: PH GH (general hardness), NH4 (ammonia), NO2(nitrite), NO3(nitrate). Without a good test set on hand you'll never know if what you are doing is upsetting the balance in your aquarium.

What is your maintenance/cleaning/water change schedule?

Exactly what do you do when you clean your tank?

What do you feed your fish?

That's probably enough to get us started.

:)
      
-- Ryan Chapin
HappyCichlids.com

as well...if the water is to warm and it is cooking them...there is another option, all be it not a cheap one. there are refrigeration units you can buy to cool your water. i am not sure of a price, but we use them in ponds in canada. if that is the problem this will be the cure....