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Fish aren't surviving

Had fifteen fish when I started a month ago. Down to 5 fish now. Checked PH was at 7.6 or above trying to get it to 7.5. Water is clear, no algae or problems. Why are my fish dying?
I need the fish to start thriving so that I can plant and have growth. I had 13 goldfish and one channel cat. The Channel Cat is fine but the goldfish are dropping left and right. Should I try another type of fish?
I really want to get it established before moving it. It is inside right now because I didn't have an outside set up but I don't know what I am doing wrong.

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Permalink Reply by Alex Veidel on March 21, 2014 at 3:38pm

What are your ammonia/nitrite/nitrate levels at?

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Permalink Reply by 1EyedTuna on March 24, 2014 at 12:24pm

pH really is not as crucial for the health of your fish. Fish can adjust fairly well to different pH levels.... and your pH is definitely not the cause of there deaths. We need more information.

1. what size fish tank?

2. how much do you feed?

3. water temperature?

4. ammonia, nitrite, and ammonia levels??

With this Info I can help more.

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Permalink Reply by Alex Veidel on March 24, 2014 at 4:01pm

Well, I would say pH is crucial, but it's really more about the stability of the pH, rather than the actual level. I'm sure you would agree that if the pH is being cause to jump up and down, it could stress out the fish and kill them. I've definitely lost a few fish that way.

1EyedTuna said:

pH really is not as crucial for the health of your fish. Fish can adjust fairly well to different pH levels.... and your pH is definitely not the cause of there deaths. We need more information.

1. what size fish tank?

2. how much do you feed?

3. water temperature?

4. ammonia, nitrite, and ammonia levels??

With this Info I can help more.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by 1EyedTuna on March 24, 2014 at 5:08pm

Well Yes of course. pH is the most important parameter to watch. I knew there would be an uproar when I wrote that haha What I meant is that I was assuming his pH is stable at 7.4.... If so its not killing the fish. Different fish have optimal pH levels, however, they can adjust to other levels and survive just fine. I am just trying to determine whats killing his fish. All he gives is his pH, its not the pH thats killing the fish...

Alex Veidel said:

Well, I would say pH is crucial, but it's really more about the stability of the pH, rather than the actual level. I'm sure you would agree that if the pH is being cause to jump up and down, it could stress out the fish and kill them. I've definitely lost a few fish that way.

1EyedTuna said:

pH really is not as crucial for the health of your fish. Fish can adjust fairly well to different pH levels.... and your pH is definitely not the cause of there deaths. We need more information.

1. what size fish tank?

2. how much do you feed?

3. water temperature?

4. ammonia, nitrite, and ammonia levels??

With this Info I can help more.