stoppiesteve
New Member
I have had a 55gal tank setup w/ 40 pounds of live sand in the bottom. The sand crusted over within a few weeks, so I took the top layer off & shortened the time my lights were on each day (b/c algae crusted the sand over). I had the tank running for about two months (busy with work) and added three damsels Saturday (nitrate&nitrite = 0, ammonia = 0, PH 8.2). My specific gravity (with cheap hydrometer) is 1.018, which I know is low. I performed a 10% water change with a bit more salt trying to bring up the gravity slowly. The tank doesn't have any places to hide except where the penguin filter hangs over the back edge. I just have a penguin with two bio wheels & spray bars, but I don't remember the model number. One damsel is up under there, another is in a top corner, and the third is on the ground. It tried to swim a bit when I kicked the lights (two 48" coralites) back on tonight, but never seemed to get off the sand. It got upright, but never off the ground. Their color is fine, no splotches or anything weird. Sometimes they look light, then vibrant purple the next minute. They are the purple damsels with yellow tails BTW. From previous posts I think it may be the salinity/gravity or the lack of hiding places, but I am really just guessing. The only other thing I can think is that I SLIGHTLY stirred the sand around a bit yesterday since I don't have any fish in there doing it for me, and that may have brought up something harmful that I don't know about. I look forward to your advice. Thanks all.
