HELP!!! Losing Fish!!

[FahakaFreak]

I dont know what the deal is. The water parameters are as follows

PH - 8.6 or so
Amonia- 0ppm
TRItes- 0 ppm
TRAtes- 0 ppm
KH- 12-14
Salinity- 1.022- 1.023
Temp- 76-80* F

Tank has been set up for some time and currently LIVING in it are a yellow eyed kole tang, one lone henni, a very large Fox Face, and a ocelaris clown that has hung around forever now!

In the past two weeks we have lost a keyhole angel (vanished), a heniochus butterfly(vanished), a yellow mimic tang, and two more heniochus (bodies recovered) The aquarium is a 130 gallon with a wet/dry system with plenty of flow, a very good protien skimmer, and regular flourescent lighting (fish only). This is becoming very frustrating and Im about to give up. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

FahakaFreak!

[Ninong]

Hi FahakaFreak, welcome to Reefland!

Your water parameters are all normal except that your pH is a bit on the high side, but that wouldn't cause problems. I would recommend raising your specific gravity to at least 1.024 but your present specific gravity, although slightly low, shouldn't be killing off your fish.

How long has your aquarium been set up? Do you have live rock or just artificial decorations? Is there a sand bed of any sort?

By the way, it is virtually impossible to have zero nitrates in a fish-only aquarium, even for the most experienced experts. It is possible that your test kits are not accurate.

[FahakaFreak]

Hi FahakaFreak, welcome to Reefland!

Your water parameters are all normal except that your pH is a bit on the high side, but that wouldn't cause problems. I would recommend raising your specific gravity to at least 1.024 but your present specific gravity, although slightly low, shouldn't be killing off your fish.

How long has your aquarium been set up? Do you have live rock or just artificial decorations? Is there a sand bed of any sort?

By the way, it is virtually impossible to have zero nitrates in a fish-only aquarium, even for the most experienced experts. It is possible that your test kits are not accurate.

Thank you for the welcome. I must say that I am a tad color blind so reading the tests may be a bit off but I know from experience what shades are about what reading...maybe Im wrong...
I am going to take your advice and raise the salinity a bit. The substrate is crushed coral(not live) and there are pieces of live rock (not so live...lol) to the tune of about 100 lbs or so. It is pretty decorated and there are lots of places to escape other more tenacious fish. Other than the salinity, I dont know what else to do....Any other suggestions anybody?

[Ninong]

The salinity is not the cause of your problems but raising it a little is a good idea. Did you mention how long this tank has been set up?

[FahakaFreak]

It has been set up and running for about 1 1/2 years or so.

[dougc]

Have there been any recent additions of fish to the tank? Could you have introduced a disease?

You might want to get a new ammonia kit or have your local store test your water to make sure that your test kit is not defective or expired. After the first fish disappeared, you might expect a spike in ammonia. Ammonia could then have taken out the other fish.

[The R/C Man]

The live rock that is in your tank, was it "live" when added to the tank? If so you my have introduced a mantis shrimp. As it has matured in size over the last year it could now be eating your fish..... Don't Panic or anything it is just a possibility....... I would sneak up to the tank at night with a flashlight to do some looking around just to be sure......