When You Lose a Fish?

[NanaReefer]

Could really use some words of encouragement and understanding right now.
I've been reefing for 7yrs and the longest I've been able to keep a fish alive has been 2 1/2yrs and he died last night [emoji22]
No outward signs of illness, was eating great and swimming normally. Yesterday morning I noticed him hanging near the SB (Banggai Cardinal) which was unusual for him, then he took to hiding behind the rock, again unusual. By night he was laying on the SB dead.
Of course I checked all parameters. ALK & Calc are off due to new mix but SG was 1.026 and PH 8.2, temp 76°.
1 other fish doing well as are all corals and inverts.

I'm trying very hard not to become discouraged. I just really hate losing fish.....

 

[lariat8099]

Was he eating? Did you change up what he was eating? Sometimes smaller fish have a shorter life span then others. Don't give up, you'll regret it and will miss the hobby. Yes its said to lose a fish but that's the cycle of life. Chin up.........

 

[Murica]

There could also be something in the water that you're unable to test for that could be harming them. I do think it's probably old age as lariat stated, but although we are used to certain toxins in the water (chlorine, arsenic etc., ) there's a whole heck of a lot other, less common things out there.