Hi Anne, sorry to hear that you are having problems with your fishes. Sometimes it is a challenge to find out the mystery of why things are happening and you don't know where to go and find the answers, one thing for sure is not to add anything chemical if you're not sure what your trying to cure and not even add to the main tank. Possibly any chemical can destroy and damage your functioning biological bacteria, so move them to a hospital tank. Most of the time you should be enjoying your aquarium, isn't that what it is? Sit down relax and observe the interaction going on in the tank are the fishes alert, are the filters functioning properly,does something seem different from the day before, are the fishes getting along with each other or is one being bullied, etc. Watching observing are very important simple things to do. Do you feed them with good quality food? Were there new fish recently added? Did a filter malfunction and wasn't look at for repairs? Did the temperature suddenly escalated recently or dropped dramatically? You mention a very high PH reading, realized that as PH increases so does free ammonia NH3, the toxic ammonia can cause damages to fish membrane and stress. You mention a zero reading for ammonia but I would try another new kit just to be sure. The No3 is high and should be much lower. The protein skimmer should be functioning at its best at all time, meaning good foam production and clean column, I cannot stress the importance of this device as it is very important towards maintaining good water quality, good oxygen level. Check to see if overpopulation may be a factor as fish are becoming more teritorial. Water changes and good maintanence schedule goes a long way towards the fish health. Best of luck regards Ken
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