question

kwok · #1 03-19-2012, 04:38 AM

My tank is doing some funny things and i would like some help.

it's a 20 gallon FOWLR and i currently have two small clarkii clowns and a scooter blenny and 6 hermit crabs and 1 snail.

my fish are not moving much and they seem to be breathing heavily. they don't go after the food during feeding time.

my parameters are:

salinity: 1.023
temp: 25 c
ammonia: 0
nitrite: 0
nitrate: 0
ph: 7.8-8.0 - i know it's a bit low but it was 8.3 just a few days ago.

i also had a sex line wrasse in it a few days ago and it died last night. all i did the last 2 days was a 20% water change and i added a new powerhead. i use water conditioner for my water changes. i'm not sure what else to test for my tank. any suggestions?

subman · #2 03-19-2012, 04:45 AM

sounds like low o2. point a powerhead up to cause some surface turbulence.

do you run a skimmer?

tim the toolman · #3 03-19-2012, 05:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by subman

sounds like low o2. point a powerhead up to cause some surface turbulence.

do you run a skimmer?

+1 on the oxygen. Are you getting a film on the top of your water?

kwok · #4 03-19-2012, 05:10 AM

Ohhh i never thought of that. I pointed the powerhead more in an angle but how do i know It's getting enough oxygen? I also do not run a skimmer even though i have one. Thanks

tim the toolman · #5 03-19-2012, 05:12 AM

Do you have any type of surface skimming, overflow or canister surface attachment?

subman · #6 03-19-2012, 05:16 AM

if you can hook the skimmer up if not to skim at least for now to get some o2 in.

glass tops?

kwok · #7 03-19-2012, 05:18 AM

i do not have any surface skimming right now so i am really thinking it is low oxygen. should i use my old powerhead (it's really strong) to create more oxygen? i also have a power filter that is not in use. should i use that also?

kwok · #8 03-19-2012, 05:20 AM

no glass top. it's open. i will try to hook up my skimmer. i haven't opened it yet. was going to use it when i get corals.

subman · #9 03-19-2012, 05:22 AM

mixing the surface is the key right now. you don't need more flow, just get the existing one rumbling the surface

subman · #10 03-19-2012, 05:24 AM

what kind of power filter?
if is a aquaclear or similar plug it in and run it empty to stir it up