Help me please

[Pufferpunk]

Good catch--could exactly be the reason they died.

[FADE2BLACK_1973]

I could be wrong, but I believe tetras are intolerant to salt. In the wild they live in soft, acidic, freshwater.

So true, Seven. Most tetras are from the soft acid water of South America in the wild.

New2puffers, Could add some mollies or platies to that 45 to get it started since they can tolerate the brackish water conditions if that's what you are trying.

[Pufferpunk]

No need, I think the puffers should be fine in there tomorrow.

[new2puffers]

hmmm.... well I tested the 5 Gal and if my hydrometer is correct it was reading salt in the water (I don't remember the exact number right now) but we plan on going to get the water tested and get an at home test kit today. We're also going to get some other fish to put in the larger tank to get the cycle started better (any suggestions on what kind I should get for that process would be great) and possibly some more safestart to help speed up the process. If you can think of anything else I should need let me know, I appreciate it a lot. I didn't know what I was getting myself into when I first bought these puffers but I am up for the challenge and am excited to make a good tank for them and watch them grow.

[Flutter]

Don't put other fish in the large tank, just move the puffers over. If you need more safestart then get that and lower the salinity on the large tank for now. Tanks cycle much more easily as freshwater than brackish. At least lower it to low brackish and try the safestart again (and put it into the filter this time so it hopefully works better).

[new2puffers]

Ok I just realized that I need to look at the 2nd page. It doesn't automatically show it. SORRY I don't know how all this works yet.

I really would feel more comfortable if I tested the water before putting the puffers in. So as soon as I get out of class this morning I plan on going and doing that. Then hopefully I can put the puffers in this afternoon.

Thanks for all your help.

Again sorry for the double or triple post.

[Flutter]

I understand where you're coming but it's also not fair to the other fish to have to go through that and then not have a home once it's all done.

I've never used the safestart but hopefully it will work. If you stick the puffers in at the same time then some of the bacteria will survive and you'll have a cycled tank.

[sevenyearnight]

You said you had your puffers for 2 weeks and that your sg was 1.005, and the bigger tank is 1.008. The lower salt level in the 5 gallon may have been weakening the tetras, and then moving them to an even saltier tank was probably too much for them.
Flutter suggested lowering the salinity before adding more safe start, as the bacteria establishes better. You can just do a water change with freshwater to lower it. Do you have Prime? If not get it, it's almost "magical". It will help protect your fish from ammonia while still making it available to the bacteria, in addition to making your tap water safe.
I agree with not adding any other fish. With the safestart, and prime, your little guys should be just fine. You also don't want to risk those fish transferring diseases to the tank and to your puffers.

[Pufferpunk]

All great advice here!

[new2puffers]

Okay thanks so much, I think I have the prime you're talking about already. I have to go home and check, if not I will get some and also some more safestart. Do a water change to lower the salinity and put the puffers in this afternoon.

Again thank you all very much for this wonderful advise. It helped me greatly. I will let you know if I have any other problems and post pictures once everything is set up.

[new2puffers]

Ok I thought of ONE more question.... Yesterday at the pet store the people there told me to take the carbon activated filters out of the filter while it is cycling. Is THAT good advise and if so how long do I leave them out for?

[Pufferpunk]

You really have to stop listening to them... Carbon does not affect cycling at all.

[new2puffers]

Lol Thanks I'm about to put the puffers in the tank and will take pictures probably tomorrow.

Thanks for the help!!

[Pufferpunk]

As far as decor, check out the fake mangroves at Petsmart.

[new2puffers]

Cool, we bought a few decorations today and will add more in the future as we get a more steady income. So far they look like they really enjoy the tank, and I am in the process of taking pictures and will post them soon.

Thank you everyone for all the advice.