my new 55 gallon fresh water tank stock

[cypresstxfreshwater55gal]

So far I have 8 black neon tetras, 4 lamb chop rasboras, 3 harlequin rasboras, 4 black phantom tetra, 1 chinease algae eater, and 1 rainbow shark

3 of the black phantoms are male and the other is female of course. The female died today and is only 3 days old

Does anyone know why she died and are all of these fish cmpatable and what would you recommend me do if not and can I add anything else to the tank.

[steeler1]

First what are your tank parameters ?

[ScottishFish]

How did you cycle your tank? If you didnt cycle your tank your fish probably died of ammonia poisoning.

Your stock list is sketchy, you dont have any tankbusters, however apart from the algae eater and shark your fish are schoolers. So they need to be in groups of at least 8 in my opinion. So some would be better rehomed and to have 2 or 3 larger schools.

BUT - dont add any fish if your tank isnt cycled. You need to read up on cycling with fish.

[cypresstxfreshwater55gal]

The tank was cycled with 5 black neon tetra over 4 weeks. Tested the water this morning she was still alive 7.5 ph. .50 ppm ammonia. All the fish seem to be happy and swimming freely.

[Cliff]

If you have ammonia in your tank, then your tank is not cycled. Cycling with fish usally takes longer than 4 weeks. There is a link below in my sig to a cycling with fish thread that explains the process

Before doing that, I would suggest a 50% water change to bring the level down to 0.25ppm which is the safe level for fish

[Jayoneseven]

3 males and 1 female? I'm no expert but perhaps the males were harassing the female? I have always tried to maintain more females than males in my schools simply out of preference. My rosy barb schools are almost 2 females to a male. It removes the chance of harassment and also aggressive competition between males.

[steeler1]

Once you get your pH down as cliff suggested to 0.25ppm, (this is a real must) you should consider increasing both schools of lamp chop and harlequins to 6-8 because even though they are closely related they will do much better in schools of their own kind. You will also need to increase your Black phantoms to 6-8 for them to feel the most secure.

Lastly chinese algae eaters, and rainbow sharks are not realy great fish to keep with your smaller schooling fish. As they get bigger they will fight with each and harrass the smaller fish to death.

Just my two cents worth.