Bacterial Imblance

[Reef_kid]

I have had that happen, back 14 years ago when i started my first tanks.
i suggest you make up a batch of freash salt water , in a large rubbermade tub.
put airstones in it and a heater.(make sure the pH matches your tank) The airstone will help evolve the ammonia in the tank. put the fish in the tub.
for the tank get some nitrate remover, and phophate remover. ferric oxide. this can go in a filter bag in any area of water flow. and chyto macro algae is a essential in my mind.
do a large water change on the main tank, and run it for a few days.
the fish should be fine in the tub water, if possable you can have someone take them off your hand until the tank has ballances.

what happens is the bacteria grow exponentally, then they crash, resulting in a tank crash.


when you do add the fish back to the tank . limit the amount of food you feed them.

the macro algae and phosphate remover will remove a lot of the chemicals in the tank.

this hobby is about balanced and patients

(dont use ammonia filter mediums in reef tanks)

[Gwenda]

Originally Posted by Reef_kid

I have had that happen, back 14 years ago when i started my first tanks.
i suggest you make up a batch of freash salt water , in a large rubbermade tub.
put airstones in it and a heater.(make sure the pH matches your tank) The airstone will help evolve the ammonia in the tank. put the fish in the tub.
for the tank get some nitrate remover, and phophate remover. ferric oxide. this can go in a filter bag in any area of water flow. and chyto macro algae is a essential in my mind.
do a large water change on the main tank, and run it for a few days.
the fish should be fine in the tub water, if possable you can have someone take them off your hand until the tank has ballances.

what happens is the bacteria grow exponentally, then they crash, resulting in a tank crash.


when you do add the fish back to the tank . limit the amount of food you feed them.

the macro algae and phosphate remover will remove a lot of the chemicals in the tank.

this hobby is about balanced and patients

(dont use ammonia filter mediums in reef tanks)

I stll have my old fish tank going with mor live rock and fish I can put them back in there

[naesco]

Please immediately return the fish to the lfs or give them away to another reefer before they die.
It is will take you 30 days to cycle the tank. You should be testing for both ammonia and nitrite.
When you get a zero reading for both wait one month and add one fish per month.

Feel free to ask any questions before you take any steps.

I am not familiar with the product you use but I know that to be successful in this hobby you need patience. If patience is not a virtue you will be plagued with all the problems at the expense of the critters you keep

Who sold you the fish? If it is an LFS run as fast as you can from them and find a reputable LFS in your area. Canreefers may be able to recommend some.