How do I add new fish so they don't die?

[salty stacy]

Hi everyone!

I am new to the community but have been in the hobby for about three years, although I am getting frustrated and nearly ready to give up. About three out of four fish that I get from my LFS die in less than a week.

I still have my beginner 30 g tank with some live rock and GSP, do I need to convert it over to a quarantine tank? And if so, what chemicals/medications do I need to add when I get a new fish? How long do I quarantine? etc...

Any help would certainly be appreciated!

Tank parameters:
90 g/34 g sump with cheato and mangroves
pH 8.4
ammonia, nitrate, nitrite 0
calcium 460
KH 9

One clown, three chromis, recently added tailspot blenny (still living so far, although starting to flash), cleaner shrimp, fire shrimp, zenia, GSP.

 

[scooter31707]

Sounds like you may have ich or flukes in your DT. I recommend going fallow (fishless) for at least 72 days to rid the parasite. In the meantime, setup the QT and treat. I use Tank Transfer Method (TTM) for ich, Prazi-Pro for flukes, and CP for velvet and I do a Formalin bath for 50 minutes upon the arrival of the fish. Usually my quarantine/observation period is anywhere from 6-10 weeks. Also may want to try another source to get your livestock from.

 

[Zalick]

Often fish from LFS are newly arrived, stressed and haven't eaten in some time. You should ask the LFS when the fish arrived and observe them eat before purchasing. Also, make sure they look healthy and not emaciated at all.

 

[biomek]

i'd say start at square one. how are you acclimating the new arrivals?