fish keep dying!!!

[MizTanks]

Hi everyone, I'm coming to you's with major frustration and discouragement in my heart.
I've had my tank setup for 4 months. Housing mostly softies. My issue? I've had 7 fish die to date. Last nights new purchase being the most recent. A dead Clown Goby this morning.
4 of the fish were lost to a major ICH outbreak (not all at the same time) 3 others to unknown causes. I've had the tank fallowing for the last 40 days hoping this would eradicate the ICH.
I've been able to keep a CUC, snails/hermit and a peppermint shrimp with no issues at all. I was given a Watchman Gody a while back who lived happily and healthy until I gave him away thinking he was to big for the tank.
I understand why the ICH infested fish died. But the others I don't. 3 clown gobys! All within 48hrs from date of purchase. I thought these fish to be a hardy breed? Is it the fish or my tank? Could there be something in my tank that this breed of fish is sensitive too?
Here are the spec's for my tank.
8g Oceanic Biocube no modifications done. 6lbs LR, 2" sand bed. Mostly soft corals.
Ammonia=0
Nitrate=-.05
Nitrite=.0
Ph=8.3
Cal=400
Sg=1.025
Phos=.0
Temp=76-80
KH= for whatever reason is reading above 214 according to the test.
I'm using RO/DI water only. Refractormeter yes. WC every 7-10 days at 2g. I'm using Reef Crystals salt. All readings and measurements have been consistent for over 2months. I was using Kents Tech CB parts A&B but haven't for the last month or 2 WC.

That's about it. Is it bad fish?

[Mike]

HAve all the fish come frmo the same store????

[ReeferRob]

What is your acclimation process for the new fish?
Also you you stated your temp from 76-80, could be the swing in temp?

[jojo22]

What is your acclimation process for the new fish?
Also you you stated your temp from 76-80, could be the swing in temp?


These two would be where I started my search. Both are critical to survival.

[jimsflies]

For what it's worth, I have found clown gobies at least the yellow ones to not be that hardy. I think they acclimate poorly. After 4 attempts, I finally got one that lived. Then he proceeded to nip and aggitate nearly every coral in my tank. Fortunately, he was easy to catch and trade in.

[Mike]

I would suggest a bi-colored blenny instead.

[jimsflies]

If you are looking for yellow, the best fish in my reef is the yellow fang blenny. Super cool fish.

[MizTanks]

Temp swing is day an night. Yes all fish come from the same LFS, who in turn get them from the same wholesaler. I acclimate by putting new fish into a container with original water -half. Then over a period of 60min I add water from the tank at around 20ml every 15min. Then I'll keep only Atenic lighting on. Believe it or not I'll only buy my fish at night, call me anal.
Sufice it to say I'm through with Clown Gobys. At the same time I got the Clown I also bought a White Ray Prawn Goby, who's doing great! Next week I'm expecting a pistol shrimp, hopefully they'll pair off.
Thanks ya'll.

[graphixx]

now when you say the tank has been set up for 4 month... in your breakin period... how long did you let the tank seed and go through its peaks and valleys with your parameters before you started stocking the tank.

4 months is still fairly young for a tanks IMO. and how often are you checking your parameters???

from my expierence new tanks are alittle touchier to swing out of whack in parameters when you start stocking with livestock.

[jimsflies]

A bit off topic ....I notice you are in marquette. How's the weather up there? I am headed up on Sunday for a week long class, half of which is outdoors.