Cichlids dieing

[rahimsach]

I'm in a 70 year old house and always use warm water including water from the hot tap. Most dechlorinators allege they remove heavy metals, and the warnings not to use hot water for cooking or drinking were related to a much older generation of water heater than most of us likely have.

I highly doubt that's the problem. The Stress Zyme could be it, but any chance you found them acting strangely in the morning? I'm wondering if some of your now sexually maturing fish are being aggressive after dark - you have a lot of fish in your tank and I can see internal injuries as a possibility if someone is chasing them around after hours. Then again, I could be flat out wrong.

Eric

Eric,
I have been thinking about this same exact thing for a while, what if there is agression after dark. Then I think wouldn't I see some kind of injury during the day or is it possible that they just get too stressed out from the chase. During the daytime I do see some of them chasing one another but that only last for a few seconds. When I bought all these juviniles I was told that I might see more aggression once then grow and then I can pick the ones I like and remove the others. I haven't reached that point yet. I am hoping it's the stress zyme. So far rest of them are fine, they seem a little scared how ever they have been eating well. I am keeping my fingers crossed.

 

[richos]

The stresszyme sounds like the likely culprit for your problems, although Eric could well be onto something with the nighttime attacks. I hope a solution comes quickly...the hot water thing was just my 2cents worth. Something to consider for future...and yes even the new heaters use copper tubing and lead based solders (which the elevated temps leach out into the water) these are chemicals that acumulate in your body...no short term affects but if you want to have a healthily retirement... avoid the hot tap unless taking a shower.
Try half filling your sink with hot water (as hot as you can get it)...put the empty bucket in the sink and fill with water from the cold tap...leave for 30 seconds...the water should have absorbed some of the heat...the colder the room temp the longer you will need to wait.