Brand-new hobbyist in Houston need advices

B

bellaroxio

Guest
Hi there. We purchased this existing tank which came with (2) clowns. We paid a salt-water specialist to move the tank to our location. Within (2) days, both of the fish passed away. I watched the movers when they arrived. They did a great job. The only thing strange was they added (5) gallons of tap water (no clorine treatment) to my 125 gallons tank.
I went and purchased testing kit today. What do I have and what next step should I take.
The tank has chiller, Reverse Osmosis (not hooked up), rock filtration. I have pictures but they are too large.
If there is a specialist in the Houston area (77040) and would like to help, I will more than happy to pay for your time.
Thanks so much
 
grumpygils

grumpygils

Active Member
Originally Posted by bellaroxio
Hi there. We purchased this existing tank which came with (2) clowns. We paid a salt-water specialist to move the tank to our location. Within (2) days, both of the fish passed away. I watched the movers when they arrived. They did a great job. The only thing strange was they added (5) gallons of tap water (no clorine treatment) to my 125 gallons tank.
I went and purchased testing kit today. What do I have and what next step should I take.
The tank has chiller, Reverse Osmosis (not hooked up), rock filtration. I have pictures but they are too large.
If there is a specialist in the Houston area (77040) and would like to help, I will more than happy to pay for your time.
Thanks so much

Lots of questions but what water and sand did they put in other than the 5G of CL-.
At a minimum what is the salinity,Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate and ph?
Mc
 
f14peter

f14peter

Member
Agree with grumpy, the test results would be invaluable.
I've never had to do it, but it seems like moving a tank opens up the possibility of stirring up the substrate, which I understand can cause an ammonia spike.
How was the tank moved? If the rock was removed and not kept damp, it might have experienced some die-off, another potential ammonia-spike cause.
I also agree that 5g of freshwater shouldn't cause a problem in such a large tank, unless the water wasn't treated to remove chlorine or chlorimines (Which may or may not be a problem in this situation) and/or has something in it that could cause a problem.
BTW, welcome to the board, this is in my mind one of the best resources for information you could ever find.
 
B

bellaroxio

Guest
When the movers came with the tank, the rocks were inside huge rubber maid tubs. The water came from the tank. They placed the rocks back into the tank, filled it with orignal water....
I will test the water tomorrow and report the results. Thanks so much.
 
B

bellaroxio

Guest
pH - 8.4
Nitrate - 40
Nitrite - same color for high and low .2 to 2?
Ammonia - 0
Alkalinity - 3.5
Experts, why did the fish died? What next, please? Thanks so much
 
ifirefight

ifirefight

Active Member
Originally Posted by bellaroxio
pH - 8.4
Nitrate - 40
Nitrite - same color for high and low .2 to 2?
Ammonia - 0
Alkalinity - 3.5
Experts, why did the fish died? What next, please? Thanks so much
Temperature change,SG????
 
ricks280

ricks280

Member
if the sand was removed and than put back in the tank that would have corsed the main problem, if they didnt than the water temp could have done it. dont put anything in the tank until all parameters have been looked at. but to me it was ammonia spike
(rick)
 
aztec reef

aztec reef

Active Member
yeah i don't think it was the 5g of tap water neither do i think it was the amonia since it reads at 0. but what test kit are u using? how old are they?
 
B

bellaroxio

Guest
I think it is the Reef Master and same manufacturer kit of Ammonia and Nitrite. It has the Purple refills.
The temperature has been constant at 81-82 degrees, according to the chiller.
May I ask what should I do next? Thanks so so much.
 
aztec reef

aztec reef

Active Member
it never hurts to do water changes but the parameters you have do'nt seem lethal unless we're missing something but at this point all you can do is water changes until you figure out the problem if any....
 
hot883

hot883

Active Member
I would think that they did not acclimate the fish correctly. What is the s.g? Fish only should be around 1.023 and a reef (with corals or inverts) should be a little higher like 1.026-27.
Test the water over the next couple of days, once a day is fine and see where the levels are. If no more ammonia occurs then would be safe to add 1 fish. Wait 2 weeks and add 1 more etc.
If you go with a pair of clowns add them together and buy them from the same place and same tank if possible. Ensure 1 is alot smaller than the other. Good luck, and welcome to the boards. We can do this.
Barry
 
B

bellaroxio

Guest
Also, may I upload pictures of my RO? it is not hooked up and would like to do so.
For now, I will go to local fish store to purchase some salt water. The water level is below normal in the wet/dry.
I would like to add yellow tang 1st. So add 1 yellow tang? I thought we always add (2) tangs together. Right?
Thaks so much.
 
B

bellaroxio

Guest
What is the next step? I am dying (no puns intended) to add fishes....
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top