Dead peacock gudgeon

Hi, I am relatively new to keeping aquariums but I have done a lot of reading and have gotten a lot of advice. I have a tank that is cycled as confirmed by a water test that said the only problem was the ph was a little high but not dangerous. It has been running for about 3-4 weeks now. The first day I added quick start and beneficial bacteria which I know isnt the same as cycling but I thought it would at least help. I let it run for a little while then added a goldfish to help cycle as well. About a week later I got the water tested and was told that it was all good. A few days later I got my peacock gudgeon from a very well reviewed local fish store. I had him for about a week and a half and now he is dead. This morning he was swimming fine and nothing seemed to be wrong. This has made me re think everything since I dont know what is wrong. Did I do something wrong or was there something wrong with the fish?

 

I can't prove what your water parameters were exactly, but a lfs telling you the water is " good" does not mean the tank is cycled.

If I were in your shoes I would invest in the api freshwater test kit so you can test your own water and do a proper cycle.

The problem i see is you added quick start and then "let it run for awhile". In that time. Any beneficial bacteria you got from quick start most likely died because it had no ammonia source. The bacteria needs to eat or it will die.

 

I agree with getting the test kit. Best purchase I ever made for my fish! There are plenty of options and instructions for cycling your tank in the forum sticky notes. I personally like to cycle with TSS, but you have to use it with the lights out and use the food method to feed your bacteria. I have done both fish-in and fishless cycles but fish-in can be stressful for the fish and you. You have to be really on top of your water tests and changes. I would not recommend cycling with a goldfish. The bacteria grow more quickly at warmer temps and it’s a good way to monitor and adjust your heater to use it while you’re cycling. I’d go with zebra danio, they are super hardy and like the warmer temps that you’ll want for the gudgeons. I keep mine at 74, which is fine, but if you are wanting to raise fry you will want it warmer. They are growing very slowly at that low temperature.
I’ve read that the gudgeons can be very picky eaters and can be prone to internal parasites; so watch out for that. I’ve luckily not had trouble with either of those things though. I got mine tank raised from someone near me and they eat everything. Make sure they have plenty of caves to hangout in too. Many people find it helpful to start a blog about their fish tank and folks can you every step of the way.

 

If an API test kit is a bit pricey at the moment ( $90 Australian) most good shops will test for free. Ask for the numbers to be written down if they do not give you a computer printout .
If the shop just says the water is fine go to another better shop.


As others have said it’s highly likely the tank is not cycled/ does not have enough bacteria.

 

Yikes! $90 is high. Here in the US I get them for about $25 US off Amazon. API 5-1 test strips or Tetra test strips are decently accurate and generally much cheaper. The liquid tests are better, but some testing is better than no testing. Also, with the strips if you cut them in half top to bottom you can do twice as many tests.
...by cheaper, I mean a cheaper start price...but with the strips you actually get fewer tests for your money. Liquid kits can last you a couple of years and you don’t have to worry about them accidentally getting moist and ruining the whole lot.

 

Usual story in Australia $90 from Petbarn $78 from Petstock and less if you hunt around on line.
Many Australian people starting out would still buy everything from chain stores like Petbarn. I don’t think Australians have moved to buying everything on line as yet. But we are slowly catching on.