I've killed a half dozen new fish in QT...is it my fault???

[Uncle99]

Too many Bangaii in a 5g, even for QT.
One only.
This fish better off as 1.
Groups sometimes do well in large tanks.

 

[TheDragonsReef]

How long did you mix the saltwater before using it? If you dont mix it for long enough it can kill.

 

[Phyber]

UPDATE:

I pulled my 30g tall out of storage, bought a new hob filter, fled.with new saltwater, and placed a liverock from my sump in the tank at the beginning of the week.

I'm giving this a go and ordered several banggai who came in looking healthy and have a guarantee after purchase, so here's to that!

I had hoped to be able to do qt in bucket's as I really don't have space for another tank in the living room, but the wife has agreed as long as it isn't permanent.

 

[Lasse]

5g buckets is my option...

Can you show a picture of the bucket - what material is it? This is - IMO - not a temp/salinity/pH problem. Can be a NH3 problem but I would check the bucket first and change it to small aquarium instead.

I read now that you have change tactic - I´m sure it will work this time

Sincerely Lasse

 

[SaltwaterGuruNeeded]

If they’re dying within 24 hours then ammonia isn’t the problem. I’d check salinity and pH of your tank and the LFS. Its either an acclimation issue or stress.

1.022 seems a little low, but should be tolerable for a healthy fish.

FWIW, my success with QT went up dramatically when I added lots of plastic plants to break up the sight line and offer hiding spots. It reduces stress.

Tap water or rodi, is he using conditioner?

 

[magicstix]

I would replace your air stone with a sponge filter. You can run the sponge filter in your sump for a month to initially establish bacteria in it. You can pick up a 10 gallon tank for cheap as well. You want to be able to observe your fish while they are in Quarantine. Test your QT like you would your display to make sure it has cycled before adding fish.

Sponge Filter Aquatics

Sponge Filters are great to have on hand for quarantine tanks, hospital tanks, and really any other time you may have a temporary tank set up to hold livestock. By hooking an air pump up to the sponge filter, and placing at the bottom of the aquarium, water will be drawn into the sponge allowing...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Petco has a 10 gallon for $10 right now:

https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/aqueon-standard-glass-aquarium-tank-10-gallon

TBH I'd be squeamish about buying even dry goods from Petco... I've seen their tanks full of ick and sick/dead fish...