Cichlids keep dying after around 2 weeks

[blackwolf911]

What about ph swings? The driftwood and the moss can lower ph. You should check the ph that your adding to the tank during water changes also. I'm not sure this would kill the cichlids so fast though. What are you feeding them?

 

[tlindsey]

Update before doing a 30% water change I tested the ammonia between 0 and 0.25View attachment 1410408

Retest ammonia and if positive change more water. I also suggest not feed for a day or two and test all parameters. Like esoxlucius stated add more seeded bio media if possible.

 

[tlindsey]

What about ph swings? The driftwood and the moss can lower ph. You should check the ph that your adding to the tank during water changes also. I'm not sure this would kill the cichlids so fast though. What are you feeding them?

If the OP was not consistent with performing water changes yes PH would be a problem. I personally have aquarium's with Driftwood and Leaf Litter and the PH barely decreases.

 

[Marekj]

Another update pH of tank water (Darker) vs pH of tap water (lighter)
Also I appreciate everyone's help thankyou

 

[fishhead0103666]

What about ph swings? The driftwood and the moss can lower ph. You should check the ph that your adding to the tank during water changes also. I'm not sure this would kill the cichlids so fast though. What are you feeding them?

How does moss lower ph?

 

[blackwolf911]

How does moss lower ph?

It can release tannins like driftwood can. Which lowers ph. Maybe only when you first put it in.

 

[Marekj]

Retest ammonia and if positive change more water. I also suggest not feed for a day or two and test all parameters. Like esoxlucius stated add more seeded bio media if possible.

Retested tank ammonia as well as tap water and they are identical both reading between 0 and 0.25

 

[tlindsey]

Retested tank ammonia as well as tap water and they are identical both reading between 0 and 0.25

How do you maintain your test vials. I suggest buying a gallon of Deionized or Distilled to rinse out your test vials because with regular tap some regent can remain and stain the vials. When you do a test it will give a false reading if any regent remains.

 

[Marekj]

How do you maintain your test vials. I suggest buying a gallon of Deionized or Distilled to rinse out your test vials because with regular tap some regent can remain and stain the vials. When you do a test it will give a false reading if any regent remains.

I usually just rinse them out with tap water is there another way to clean the vials besides distilled water?

 

[tlindsey]

I usually just rinse them out with tap water is there another way to clean the vials besides distilled water?

Deionized or Distilled learned this from a very experienced member who is a former microbiologist of a water treatment plant. duanes
Distilled and Deionized water should still be inexpensive.