I DONT KNOW WHAT NOW

[steve]

I did a 50% water change I wnet to dinner at 5 got home at 9 and all of my fish are dead every last one. I tested ammonia it was not that high tested the water again not bad what do you think. Could there have been some really bad bacteria in the canister filter? Wow I thought I got a good deal on a FX5 for $100 but then I lost $400 in fish today I am pretty bumbed.

[tsunderl]

WOW! Sorry about your fish. First thing I think of is chlorine or other chemicals in the water. I tend to over-de-chlorinate and I know others here have had water quality problems after rainfalls like we've recently had. Outside of that and an ammonia spike, I don't know what could kill fish that quick.

This is happening in the 100g you recently set up, right? Is it a new setup or pre-owned? What about substrate and other decor? I think it's worth investigating before replacing the fish.

[steve]

It was a used tank they tore it down a week before I bought it. I know were it came from. I have black sand and holey rock. The fish were doing very well the feather fins were doing the mating dance and everyone seemed happier than ever. I put the filter in yesterday and dead fish in the morning dead fish in the evening. I did not rinse the filter out at all I just plugged it in thinking that since it was in use 2 hours before it was fine. I dont know, I pulled the filter out and cleaned it and of course it was really dirty. I am pretty mad at myself for pulling such a bone head move. AHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!

[tsunderl]

I don't think it's something to be mad at yourself about. It's tough, but this is how we all learn. Where did the sand come from?

[biggin]

There could be a number of things...

Did you take your old filter off immediately?

[EAST_TX_RN]

It must be the filter if all else is the same. Must have put some bad bacteria in the tank, IMHO. I am so sorry and truly sympathize with you Steve. Scrub the filter after throwing the media away, and just clean everything. Good luck!

[lellison]

Wow, I am so sorry to hear that! :(

[AndrewH]

Yeah, that sucks.

What part of DFW are you in? I also remember hearing others reporting fish losses after a water change when it had recently rained.

Maybe the clean filter + rain water was just too much?

Definitely keep us updated if you find the source of the problem.

[steve]

I am southeast of downtown. The biggest loss was a 12" wc front he was a looker. I took my water the the lfs to make sure my test kit was not on the fritz and apperently it was. It looks at though even though I did a 50% water change it was not enough and today my nitrites were through the roof so it looks as though the ammonia got them. I do have one survivor though my 10" pleco made it. I bought some turbo start and put that in there today so hopefully I can right the ship and post some good pics of my new stock I will keep everyone posted.

[lellison]

well I hope everything works out okay. Don't let it get you down! Strong pleco sounds like !

[kewlkatdady]

Did you remove an old filter?

Ammo will not kill fish in a matter of hours or even a day....

You said it was a pre owned tank... you also said that they tore the tank down a week before you bought it.

It sounds like you had the tank very well stocked...

It sounds like you had too many fish in the tank for the bio colony or lack there of...

thoughts?

[kewlkatdady]

oh and I wouldn't throw the filter media away that came with the FX5...

I'd keep the bio media. Boil it if your worried something...

[amuntep]

Probably the filter as others have stated. When it comes to mediums I am very hesitant about most. Most mediums ( carbon, zeolite. etc. )become nitrate dispensers if not cleaned or replaced regularly. Personally I use only ceramic rings in my canister and a sponge, the plants take care of the rest. I have run this way for over two years w/ wild angels with no problems. Never had a problem w/ water changes after a lot of rain, but maybe thats just me.