Rummynose Tetras dropping like flies!

Rummynoses can be very sensitive and need a sloooooow adjustment to a new tank. So making sure you introduce them properly is one important step. Two, they are just sensitive generally to shipping and I usually wait until they've been in the LFS for three weeks or more before I pick mine out. I let the LFS take the initial losses. I keep mine at 78 temp with a less than 7 pH. I would say the combination of your low temperature and your higher pH, plus perhaps not good acclimination before you got them and after you introduced them all contributed to your problem.

I second those who said to get your own test kits and monitor your water consistently before you try again with rummies. I love mine, BTW, I think they are one of the best fish ever! Once acclimated to your tank, they should be as hardy as any other tetra. Watch their noses, though, for any signs of trouble. Poor water quality will cause their noses to lose redness.

Good luck!
 
They prefer soft water, but bear in mind there are three species called "rummynose tetra" - Hemigrammus rhodostomus, H. bleheri and Petitella georgiae which do come from slightly different waters. However, all are to a greater or lesser extent sensitive to nitrate.
 
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