Thanks for the info Justin,

I have yet to test the Nitrite levels in the tank. The water I
procured from the pet-store consisted of a large quantity of the
decomposing waste etc.. found at the bottom of their tank. I
specifically asked for this as, I knew (or hoped) it would contain the
'bacterial mix' needed to jump-start the cycle in my tank.

I will take your advice and pick up a nitrite test kit... There are
so many variables that could affect this. It seems strange that the
fish should be dying so slowly one at a time. I would assume if there
was a water problem that all fish would have probably perished within
the first couple of days.

As for the Oxygen, the undergravel filter contains two Aquafiz
bubblers hooked up to an air pump, which runs for around 16 hours a
day. I'll see if I can hold of an oxygen test kit -- I assume the pet
store would carry this?

My primary concern is that they may be deseased or have some parasite.
Do you know if this is very common in feeder fish purchased from pet
stores? Would there be tell-tale signs other than just the 'belly up'
outcome displayed (ie. lesions or markings)




"Justin Boucher" wrote in message ...
What were the results of all those tests you have? You said ammonia was low
but never mentioned nitrite. I would like to say that just using old tank
water from an established tank wouldn't do the trick for a quick cycle. You
need the bacteria and that stuff is in the filter or gravel. There isn't
enough of it in the water column to amount much to anything.

With that in mind, your tank may still be cycling. Are you doing anything
about oxygen? Live plants will provide oxygen to a tank but they also
consume it at night. A moderate to highly stocked tank with some live
plants could easily dip down to deadly low oxygen levels by morning. After
the lights come back on, it could take hours before the oxygen level gets
anywhere near the fish need to survive.

I would test your water again and take specific reading for ammonia, nitrite
and pH. If you have access to an oxygen test kit and suspect the oxygen
levels after what I had said, I would test that as well. Keep in mind that
oxygen levels will be at their lowest in the morning before the plants get
any light to start the new day.

Also, check the amount and kind of lighting you have for your plants.
Insufficient lighting would not allow them to produce well and that could
mean a downward spiral for your oxygen levels with more fish breathing than
the plants can produce.

Justin