sharkguys

I got a used 10 gallon tank and its worked well for me but I had rummynose tetras dieing in it for about a month now and keep replaceing them. I got my water checked every week and it seemed fine. but I gave up and put my last rummy nose tetra into my 26 gallon tank.

I just have one question....

I have baby swordtails in a breeder box right now. and when they are old enough I want to put all 8 into the 10 gallon tank (nothing is in there now) I want them to live without dieing like the rummynose tetras did. should I start over and take the water out and clean the tank? would that help the baby swordtails when they are old enough for the tank? Any suggestions?

Mike19

Welcome to fishlore

8 full grown swordtail will need a much larger tank than 10gallons, do you have your own test kit also did you cycle the tank before adding the rummynose tetras?

Mike

Dozey

If your 10g was cycled. Having it sit empty will kill of the cycle unless you continue to feed it. You can learn more about the cycle here: Ammonia instructions for a fishless cycle

Your actual water readings would really help members in solving your problems and that would be best accomplished with an API master test kit. Without knowing your ammonia, nitrite and nitrate readings members will likely only be able to speculate.

Hope everything works out for you!

Lucy

Welcome to Fish Lore.

I'm really sorry about losing your fish, but congrats on the babies.

I know you said you only have one question but it would help for you to know why the other fish died.
When you say your water tests fine, what are the exact readings for ammonia nitrites and nitrates?
To help understand what happens in a new tank here's a link explaining the nitrogen cycle.
http://www.fishlore.com/NitrogenCycle.htm
The link Dozey gave you is an good way to cycle a tank.
I agree with the Mike, the swordtails should have a larger tank.

Good luck