Lost some Penguin Tetras (original title 'lost some cardinal penguins')

[imw]

I must ask, are you sure you are performing the water tests correctly?....see below for simplified instructions for each test.
Regarding the nitrAte test, it is imperative that you shake the 2nd bottle of reagent like mad before adding to the TT....shake hard for several minutes, bang the bottle on a desk, shake upside down, and shake some more....if you do not shake the 2nd bottle enough, you'll get false readings for nitrAte (usually 0)

AMMONIA:
8 DROPS FROM BOTTLE 1, 8 DROPS FROM BOTTLE 2, SHAKE 5 SECONDS, WAIT 5 MINUTES.

NITRATE:
10 DROPS FROM BOTTLE 1, INVERT TO MIX, SHAKE VIGOROUSLY SHAKE BOTTLE 2, 30 SECONDS OR MORE, 10 DROPS FROM BOTTLE 2, SHAKE HARD FOR 1 MINUTE, WAIT 5 MINUTES.

PH:
3 DROPS, INVERT TO MIX, RESULTS ARE IMMEDIATE.

NITRITE:
5 DROPS, SHAKE 5 SECONDS, WAIT 5 MINUTES.

HIGH PH:
5 DROPS, INVERT TO MIX, RESULTS ARE IMMEDIATE.

Given the tests done by LFS match my tests (this am) -yes I am sure. another one gone -

 

[Slaphppy7]

Given the tests done by LFS match my tests (this am) -yes I am sure.

They use the API liquid test kit, as well?

How long was the tank cycled before adding fish?

A cycled tank, 99% of the time, will have SOME nitrAtes....we need to know for sure....shake the 2nd bottle of reagent as described above, and perform another nitrAte test.....follow the directions for the test precisely

 

[imw]

They use the API liquid test kit, as well?

How long was the tank cycled before adding fish?

A cycled tank, 99% of the time, will have SOME nitrAtes....we need to know for sure....shake the 2nd bottle of reagent as described above, and perform another nitrAte test.....follow the directions for the test precisely

Hi
I have gone over these several times - no it seems can advise what is going on - set up3 weeks ago - added fish on Friday up to this am they were fine - there are no other fish in tank.

 

[Naughts]

Perhaps you could describe the cycling method you used precisely?
Have you stopped adding the pH adjuster?

 

[Slaphppy7]

Perhaps you could describe the cycling method you used precisely?
Have you stopped adding the pH adjuster?

And, what is the current ph of the tank?

Use this instead of the card that comes with the API kit, hold the TT up to your monitor to compare colors...scroll down the page for the various tests: https://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Downloads.html

 

[imw]

And, what is the current ph of the tank?

Use this instead of the card that comes with the API kit, hold the TT up to your monitor to compare colors...scroll down the page for the various tests: https://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Downloads.html

pH is 7.0 according to my test (API) - LFS had a bit lower - I am now NOT buffering - now another one going - this is just awful !!

 

[Naughts]

Take out the wood for now and do a 75% water change. @Byron once had wood with a toxic fungus on it. Let's eliminate this at least.

 

[Slaphppy7]

If water params are fine, this could be a case of poor/weak/diseased stock from the LFS

But the cloudy water is concerning

Turn the lights down/off for now, and keep activity around the tank to a minimum, as much as possible, to reduce stress in the fish

 

[imw]

Perhaps you could describe the cycling method you used precisely?
Have you stopped adding the pH adjuster?

Given the api master test kit gives me readings of Ammonia - zero, Nitrate - Zero - Nitrite Zero, I am fairly confident it is cycled. (Tests backed by LFS using another brand of test kit - not sure which one).

 

[Naughts]

Given the api master test kit gives me readings of Ammonia - zero, Nitrate - Zero - Nitrite Zero, I am fairly confident it is cycled. (Tests backed by LFS using another brand of test kit - not sure which one).

How was it cycled?
What method did you use?

 

[imw]

Take out the wood for now and do a 75% water change. @Byron had wood with a toxic fungus on it. Let's eliminate this at least.

doubt wood is toxic, no fungus on it just white fluff - sugars from wood, - (got it from LFS) all ready done 50 % change earlier this pm.

 

[Bruce Leyland-Jones]

Given the api master test kit gives me readings of Ammonia - zero, Nitrate - Zero - Nitrite Zero, I am fairly confident it is cycled. (Tests backed by LFS using another brand of test kit - not sure which one).

You need to be prepared to repeat yourself repeatedly, as other 'experts' join the Forum. Obviously, those in the US are some way behind us here in Blighty. , but many others will join in after a day out, or having just come in from work, etc..

doubt wood is toxic, no fungus on it just white fluff - sugars from wood, - (got it from LFS) all ready done 50 % change earlier this pm.

Unlikely to be 'sugars'...more likely to be bacteria.
Just because the wood was bought from your fish shop, it doesn't mean to say that it had already been properly treated and it is likley that it wasn't. This could be the source of your problem.

 

[imw]

You need to be prepared to repeat yourself repeatedly, as other 'experts' join the Forum. Obviously, those in the US are some way behind us here in Blighty. , but many others will join in after a day out, or having just come in from work, etc..

Unlikely to be 'sugars'...more likely to be bacteria.
Just because the wood was bought from your fish shop, it doesn't mean to say that it had already been properly treated and it is likley that it wasn't. This could be the source of your problem.

Mmmmm - wood now out - 2 fish left

 

[Naughts]

doubt wood is toxic, no fungus on it just white fluff - sugars from wood, - (got it from LFS) all ready done 50 % change earlier this pm.

It's rare but it has happened. No harm in taking it out for now.

We could be more sure if you convinced us how the tank was cycled.... ammonia/ nitrite is highly toxic to fish and by far the most common cause of problems in new tanks.
Your experience with a salt water tank may not have prepared you for this aspect of freshwater fish keeping as marine tanks can be cycled quickly by adding live rock.

 

[Bruce Leyland-Jones]

Mmmmm - wood now out - 2 fish left

Ouchy.

Normally, unless assured otherwise, it's safe to assume that wood is untreated.
To 'treat it', in usually needs submerging for a week or so, usually in a tub or bucket outside, with occasional water changes.
This drowns and hidden creepy-crawlies and ensures that the wood is going to sink and stay sunk.
One thing that often happens when you do this is that there's a 'bloom' of bacteria on the wood, which will eventually dissipate. (This could also be a reason for your apparently cloudy water). Your shop should've advised you of this, when taking your money for the wood.
Sometimes, you can buy wood that has already been treated, though this is usually substantially more expensive.