How not to make the same mistake

[friedeggandsauce]

We got a tank, followed instructions but got our fish on Tuesday and they are now all dead. Wish I had come on here as I never tested the water and am wondering if that's the issue.

We still have 2 shrimp and 2 snails so what do we do? The water is murky the filter is working and it's at the right temperature. Will the shrimp and snails live longer? How can I help them?

I realise now I was naive about fish so please don't have a go at me, now want to sort it 😔

I think there are a few things to check:

How big (litres) is the tank? How many fish and what species were they? Did you add anything to the water or just fill it from the tap? How long did you have it running before you added the fish?

It's 25l
We had 6 neons and 2 balloon platy fish (I think that's what they were called. And then 2 shrimp and 2 snails.

The tank was in action for 48 hours before we got the fish and then we followed instructions of floating the bag, adding water then waiting and adding more water.

Hi - you need to let a tank go through the nitrogen cycle before adding a lot of fish. It can take weeks.
Your remaining snails and shrimp might be ok to live in there while the tank balances. Do you have any live plants in there as they could help

@AdrianeMole can you recommend a good test kit so I know the water is ready

Hi @friedeggandsauce.
My nitrate test kit is made by API.
Sorry I just saw that your tank is 25l. Sorry to tell you that is a tiny tank, and will only support maybe one fish that likes to live alone like a betta fish or just a colony of shrimp. The smaller the tank the harder it is to maintain good water parameters. I would say that 25l is too small for the fish you bought.

@AdrianeMole mmmm I need a total rethink don't I and a reputable fish supplier!!

I think your fish store advice was a little off. On the plus side your tank would be great for shrimps. Shrimps are fun