I've had a 20gal tank for over a year now with very little problems. I recently learned that my pH buffer was causing lots of problems w/ my plants, so I discontinued its use. I've had one confirmed pH crash since I stopped using the buffer, and I've now got some crushed coral to help w/ that.
Anyway, I recently added 4 mollies and 4 swordtails to the mix and everything seemed to be OK. Then everything just started to die. All indicators pointed to a pH crash, with red gills and pectoral fins. Yet, when I checked the pH, it was at 7.0 every time. All other parameters were fine as well.
Yesterday I lost my betta, which was rough, cause I've had him for a while, but it is also strange. I just figured that the livebearers were just a bad crop, but when my betta croaked, I figured it must be something wrong w/ the tank. I really can't figure it out. Since the tank is planted, I defintely leave the air on overnite.
I use no activated carbon whatsoever, as I don't like it
. What obvious thing am I missing here that is causing these fish to die? When they die, they also have patchy spots where it looks like scales came off, almost as if they were fighting. I see no other signs of disease, other than the red gills...
Anyway, I recently added 4 mollies and 4 swordtails to the mix and everything seemed to be OK. Then everything just started to die. All indicators pointed to a pH crash, with red gills and pectoral fins. Yet, when I checked the pH, it was at 7.0 every time. All other parameters were fine as well.
Yesterday I lost my betta, which was rough, cause I've had him for a while, but it is also strange. I just figured that the livebearers were just a bad crop, but when my betta croaked, I figured it must be something wrong w/ the tank. I really can't figure it out. Since the tank is planted, I defintely leave the air on overnite.
I use no activated carbon whatsoever, as I don't like it
. What obvious thing am I missing here that is causing these fish to die? When they die, they also have patchy spots where it looks like scales came off, almost as if they were fighting. I see no other signs of disease, other than the red gills...