Emerald Crab and Fire Shrimp Died

[BSej]

Hi all, I've got a 20 gallon cube that's been running for about 9 months. I've just added 2 clowns, and a fire shrimp about 2 weeks ago. I got an emerald crab about 8 months ago, and it just died today, and it looks like the fire shrimp is about to die. The fire shrimp just molted last night as well, so I thought things were going well for him. I feed pellets and frozen alternating for a total of two times / day. What could have caused them to die? The clowns look great and eat well.

Parameters:

Calcium 400

Alk 8.5

Phosphates 0.05

Salinity 1.0255

Nitrates were ~10 but I haven't tested in a couple weeks. I will test tomorrow. I did a 5 gallon water change a week ago, planning for another this week. Is it possible the nitrates are high and kill inverts but not the fish?

 

[Lavey29]

Are your other inverts like snails ok?

 

[BSej]

Are your other inverts like snails ok?

no other deaths that I've seen.

 

[Lavey29]

no other deaths that I've seen.

Well that probably eliminates metals in the system. 8 months for the crab is not unusual. The shrimp are weak during molds and if they have any issues then that is usually the time they pass. Numbers are fine. Just keep up weekly water changes and monitor the clowns for aggression.

 

[BSej]

Well that probably eliminates metals in the system. 8 months for the crab is not unusual. The shrimp are weak during molds and if they have any issues then that is usually the time they pass. Numbers are fine. Just keep up weekly water changes and monitor the clowns for aggression.

Thanks

 

[BSej]

Apparently there was a crockpot going in the kitchen for several hours. Could this have done anything? I've heard people being against candles, and etc.

 

[Lavey29]

Apparently there was a crockpot going in the kitchen for several hours. Could this have done anything? I've heard people being against candles, and etc.

That ain't doing nothing but if you put dirty hands in the water with lotion on them or something it can have effect. Scented candles in the same room maybe. I've had painting and varnishing with odor everywhere with no issues. Run some carbon. Do your water changes.