Posted by edmundcape on January 25, 2003 at 10:33:57:
I have a relatively new tank which is now established (minimal ammonia and nitrites). The pH is stable between 7 and 7.5 and we have been adding some sea salt (a couple of tablespoons for the 10 gallon tank).
Upon buying our initial stock (3 weeks ago), we bought a pair of swordtails. The female is doing incredibly well, but we have had 3 males die in as many weeks. The first death was not unexpected as the tank was so new and we rationalized that it must be our high nitrite levels. Since then, however, tank conditions have been in good shape and yet the males are living only 3 or 4 days. Could it be that there is some problem with introducing a new male into a tank where the female has clearly established herself as "queen"??! Has anyone else had an experience like this? In case it is relevant, I think the female is a marigold wag and the first two males were velvets while the last was also a marigold wag.
We are now debating whether to try again with a new male or not. Any suggestions? Thanks a lot for your help!
