tank cleared them out/fish gone

[The Dude9942]

I bought a 20 gallon tank and let it run for 30 hours, then I went to a fish store and they told me to buy goldfish to cycle, this didnt sound right and the next morning when I woke up all 9 fish were dead. What did I do wrong, and what fish should i start with.
Thanks

 

[Tempestuousfury]

to the forum. Introduce yourself in the newbie section.

Never go back to that store. You need to find an lfs that'll answer questions correctly.

Did you want coldwater or tropiucal fish? Goldfish shouldn't be places with tropicals.

Always do research before starting the hobby. Lots of people (I, too) made mistakes when we first started out. If you research the fish you wnat, cycling, and stay with us and ask questions, you'll have a healthy tank.

PM me if you need any help, or just post a threda with questions in the beginners' questions section.

Join our school.

 

[Sky042]

This first and largest problem I see is cycling a 20G tank with 9 fish thats a surefire way to promote fish death.

You may want to read the pinned topic on fishless cycling. If you choose to cycle with fish you'd want NO more than 4 1" fish.

 

[canarsie11]

You left out major step.

Did you declorinate your water?, if not there is your killer!

 

[The Dude9942]

I dechlorinated the water, so should I get some schooling fish such as danios or what

 

[modernhamlet]

That depends on what fish you want in your tank. Have you given it any thought? What fish do you like?

While I strongly urge you to fishless cycle, if you're going to use fish, use one that you want and that is hardy.

 

[tstenback]

I too will recommend fishless cycling to you. It doesn't hurt any fish in the process which in this hobby should be the main goal. If you do choose to cycle with fish ensure you pick hardy fish and stick to the 1 fish per 5 gallons of water rule. This will ensure the best safety of the fish and promote a good bacteria colony as well. As suggested there are articles at the top of this forum that will really help you out. This hobby requires that we all get educated about the water and the fish. Here you will find people at all different levels of education but everyone is willing to help. Just ask. Welcome and enjoy the hobby and the education.