Fiddler crab and DEAD fish?

Question

My parents bought my son an aquarium for his bday. Bought an algae eater, one little pretty fish (don't know what kind) a goldfish, and two ghost catfish and a fiddler crab. The people at the pet store told them the crab would be fine in with the fish (10 gallon tank). The two ghost cat fish are the only original fish we have. I replaced the goldfish and still have his replacement. Replaced all the others and added one or two. Three algae eaters have died (ones body was just gone) as have a couple others. What could be the cause other than the crab? The ghost catfish basically just stay in one upper corner of the tank. If it was something in the water, would they have died too?

Answer 1

goldfish and tropicals do not go together.

the crab is probably not the culprit, but it will clean up anything dead.

Answer 2

Hi, your problem is common-store staff will tell you anything to make a sale & unfortunately you have got a tank which is way overstocked with several incompatible types so you are heading for disaster unfortunately.

  Algae eaters & Catfish are nocturnal & also like to snack on teh slime coats of sleeping Goldfish who are not nocturnal. This constant nibbling will eventually be the death of your Goldies-that's if the high waste output from Goldfish doesn't kill the delicate algae eaters first as their tolerance levels are far lower.

  The heater may also be a problem because you are running 2 different temperature fish in the same tank so at least one will be suffering.

  The ideal solution is to get 2 tanks, a coldwater for the Goldfish because they have no compatible tank mates except other similar sized Goldfish & the other tank for the algae eaters & catfish but I would recommend at least 20 gallon tanks.

  The link below is specific to Goldfish but he general management & methods are similar to practically all fish keeping. I would advise Googling for specific info for your other fish.

  

Answer 3

Not necessarily, no.. they would not have all died due to the water. Have you checked the waters PH levels? This is greatly effect certain types of fish. Some fish like, convicts & goldfish can withstand any types of water -- I know from personal experience. Buy a PH Strip Testing Kit & test your water. The kit will tell you where your water levels should be & give you advice on which types of chemicals you may or may not need to use to have it balanced.  

Answer 4

are they getting oxygen from a pump?