my new salt tank

zuzes20011 · #1 02-26-2009, 01:00 PM

hi guys so i set my my salt water tank to weeks ago everything whent awsome i have live sand crushed coral base rock some live rock its 72 gallons i started adding fish i have 1 black and white damsel 3 sargent major damsels 1 blue damsel one clown fish and one clown they were all fine added them slowly whent to bed last night and now they look like there haveing a hard time the clown is staying at the bttm of the tank '

Leah · #2 02-26-2009, 01:57 PM

Ohh! I would think that it is probably to soon. Did the L.F.S tell you you could add fish
already? What they should have told you is the tank needs to cycle. For about six weeks
first. And if you don't have test kits if they are any good they could test your water for
you. That is what I did then I later bought the kit. The next thing is way to many fish
to start. In mine I started with two chromis. They are tougher and can handle the trans-
tion better. I think you might be a little out of luck in regards to the fish at this point.
You must take it slllllloooowwwlllllyyyy. Don't get more fish...yet! Take a sample of water
in if you don't have a test kit.

Tangman · #3 02-26-2009, 02:00 PM

By the way I read this , you added 7 fish , all at once, without cycling the tank, and now i am guessing you nitrates are sky high, which will most probably kill your fish.
You will have to start over, this time, read up first before you start, especially about the nitrogen cycle and cycling a tank. Then go slow and don't be in a rush to add fish.
A good book to learn about a salt water tank is
The Reef Aquarium - 3 Volume Set by C. Delbeek & J. Sprung

Quote:

Originally Posted by zuzes20011

hi guys so i set my my salt water tank to weeks ago everything whent awsome i have live sand crushed coral base rock some live rock its 72 gallons i started adding fish i have 1 black and white damsel 3 sargent major damsels 1 blue damsel one clown fish and one clown they were all fine added them slowly whent to bed last night and now they look like there haveing a hard time the clown is staying at the bttm of the tank '

Scavenger · #4 02-26-2009, 02:18 PM

It does sound like your tank is not cycled and also I'm betting your live rock is still curing so your fish are going to be in big trouble if they aren't already. If you have an extra heater and powerhead, I'd transfer the fish to a tote or other container with new salt water with some PVC tubing to act as caves and hidy holes. Then keep the fish in there for 2-3 weeks while the tank cycles. You would have to do constant water changes as you have no biological filter here. It would be a lot of work, but if you value your fish, it's one of the few hopes.

ILIKECOUGARS · #5 02-26-2009, 03:59 PM

I can offer you the used of my QT. Until your tank cycles.

ocean diver · #6 02-26-2009, 04:17 PM

I would take the offer from ILIKECOUGARS and move your fish to his QT tank and let your tank cycle. It will take 4-6 weeks to cycle your tank before you can add any fish, and then only add a few at a time. Good luck

urbanhellfire · #7 02-26-2009, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zuzes20011

hi guys so i set my my salt water tank to weeks ago everything whent awsome i have live sand crushed coral base rock some live rock its 72 gallons i started adding fish i have 1 black and white damsel 3 sargent major damsels 1 blue damsel one clown fish and one clown they were all fine added them slowly whent to bed last night and now they look like there haveing a hard time the clown is staying at the bttm of the tank '

Take ILIKECOUGARS offer, I think you jumped in a little to quick but with a little PROPER advice from good local fish shops and the group around here you should be just fine.

Nothing in saltwater is quick or cheep when done right the first time

Ian · #8 02-27-2009, 04:48 AM

From someone who has had salt under a year....Listen closely to these guys (and gals)...they will save you a load of grief, anger and even better MONEY...I jumped in fast too..well a little slower than you, and was saved by this site....and now am officially addicted... GOOD LUCK

Reef_Craze · #9 03-02-2009, 01:56 AM

Return the fish!

This is a hobby that has to be started a certain single way. You really need to be careful when starting or you will just waste time and money, get a couple of good aquarium books, (Conscientious Marine Aquarist by Robert M. Fenner) and bounce around the internet forums, you're gonna need a couple months of research.

zuzes20011 · #10 03-02-2009, 12:17 PM

well thanks every one i have books on it i have been reading for months my tank is doing well have not lost a fish yet i test my water every day