Quote Originally Posted by deranged chipmunk View Post
Could it have been from the waterproofed you used? Sure. We throw brand names like drylok around because they are proven. Behr has not been proven to be safe. But knowing what I do about waterproofers, it most likely is. Once it dries, it is basically cured.

I have been keeping aquariums for over 30 years, and in my experience, when something like this pops up, it's been due to poor husbandry practices. The tank wasn't properly cycled, which killed off the first batch of fish. Once a fish dies, high doses of ammonia are introduced into the tank, which what little bacteria may be in the tank, couldn't handle. Then the next batch went into an ammonia filled tank, they had no chance. The snowball effect just increases from there.

As far as petco testing the water, well, all I will say about that is buy yourself a good quality master test kit (API is an excellent kit, check the expiration date first), and become proficient at using it. Anyone who owns a glass box with any water in it should own one.


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela
So I went ahead and got some stability and I'll let it cycle for a while.. Should I add any danios or anything to speed up the process?