Fish die off

[paintballer1]

Yes new tank

 

[Fish Werx]

I would think that the bioload is too high and a smaller tank like that would not be able to keep up with it. Even if it were cycled completely and that amount of fish were added one at a time over a long period. Ive only got 5 fish in my 120g system with a 40g sump. And I still add very slowly. Like one or two small fish per month or so.
I would def do water changes as suggested, get a better test kit than API. I used them for a long time, but found that Red Sea and Salifert kits are considerably more accurate.
Also, as stated damsels are fairly aggressive fish and may be killing themselves off until you literally only have one left. Especially if that last one looks beat up.
Sorry you are having a hard time with the tank. You will figure it out and believe me, the hobby gets better once you do!

 

[paintballer1]

Could this all be because I use water condition to make the tap water "safe"?

 

[tgfitz1]

There is one damsel left the one that just died he was actually alive find messed up and he was upside down and could not swim straight so I put him out of its pain

If I were you I would do a very large water change and try and get hold of some bottled bacteria otherwise that last damsel will most likely suffer the same fate. Sorry this is happening to you.

 

[john2152]

Well you got the one who can stay...as far as I always knew,damsel was a fish for cycling anyhow

 

[paintballer1]

Doing a water change now the shrimp and blenny seem fine the last damsel is breathing heavy

 

[paintballer1]

Maybe saltwater tanks just aren't for me

 

[john2152]

Well even though I went through the same ten years ago I'm glad I haven't quit...trust me it's very rewarding but sometimes sad.its a hobby I've come to love and it sure isn't a easy or inexpensive one

 

[ahiggins]

Could this all be because I use water condition to make the tap water "safe"?

no, that has nothing to do with the nitrogen cycle. That has more to do with silicates/phosphates and algae growth.

 

[paintballer1]

Well I originally just wanted a saltwater invert tank but needed up not doing it I guess I'll get another chance to make it an invert tank

 

[paintballer1]

And an update the last damsel had passed on a few hours after water change 3 fish in one day

 

[paintballer1]

In 1 week my tank went from thriving to completely decimated with no apparent cause

 

[paintballer1]

Well you guys were right the ammonia was at .50 ppm if I just waited 5 min on the test kit like I was supposed to I feel very stupid

 

[Julian Bastidas]

I think even if parameters were right on, one month is not enough time for a tank to mature. Also adding to many fish at once is never a good thing

 

[tgfitz1]

Maybe saltwater tanks just aren't for me

Don't give up, this hobby is not easy and especially when you're just starting up. It takes time to learn and you definitely learn from your mistakes, trust me! When you get it right you'll be glad you gave it another go. The invert tank is a good idea. You could have some small shrimp such as harlequin or sexy shrimp, they're colourful and interesting to watch. Pom-pom crabs would be cool too. Just take it slow and you'll find this hobby much more enjoyable. If you want to keep 4 or 5 small fish you could always get a slightly bigger tank, around 30 gallons would've been good for those damsels.

Hope this helps

 

[malira]

Maybe saltwater tanks just aren't for me

Your mistakes were too much and too soon. In a 10 gallon 3 fish small fish. Like 2 clown and a yellow clown goby. But understand you may/will need to trade out the clowns eventually.

"Nothing good ever happens fast in a saltwater aquarium."