Guppies are dying. Scales peeling off.

I

in the pines

AC Members
Aug 27, 2007
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just moved to Ruidoso, NM!
hi, I started a new tank. I did a fishless cycle and when the nitrite spike ended and the tank seemed to be able to utilize the ammonium chloride I purchased from dr. Tim, I went and bought 6 guppies and 5 Cory cats. This was on Sunday. Today one guppy is dead and another of the same color and size has what appears to be scales peeling off. The pH is sky high right now.

Parameters

29 gallon
Canister filter suitable for up to 60 gallons.
Black clay substrate for planted tanks
Some pathos on top for nitrate absorption
A few small plants in the substrate.
Ammonia 0.0 ppm
Nitrite 0.0 ppm
Nitrate 5 ppm
pH 8.8 this am. Used a pH lowering agent to lower it to 8.2. Don't want to change it too much at once.
KH - unknown. I have ordered a test kit for that.

Would the pH or pH change have done this? Is it something else entirely?

I will add images to Imgur so I can share the tank and what the guppy looks like. Is there an easier way to add images?
 
I purchased some cholla driftwood and almond leaves to lower the pH, but they won't be here for two days, and I am going to do a water change with distilled water to try and get the pH lowered. What percentage water change should I do?

I feel terrible about this. I thought I was doing everything right. Poor fishies.
 
What is your tap water pH after it sits for 24 hours? How did you acclimate the fish to your tank water, if at all? I can't see the peeling off scales from your pics.

The airstone does nothing to pH, but with your filter you don't really need it unless you like the bubbles.

What is the substrate? Eco Complete, Black Flourite, Aqua Soil? Some of those can temporarily raise pH &/or ammonia (but you don't see ammonia). Are those separate rocks propping up the "log"? I'm no expert on rocks but some can raise pH too.
 
Curious about the rocks too. . .

I don't see what you're describing in the pics, but its really hard to get that much detail IME.

I also wonder about how you acclimated the fish and where you purchased them. Having one die is, sadly, not that uncommon when introducing guppies to a new tank. I always recommend drip acclimation over an extended period of time for them.
 
It maybe that the fish were sick when you bought them? have you contacted the supplier to let him/her know.
I agree with people above that you really cant see anything in the pics and the fish look happy to me!
 
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