Deaths

ghouston

New Member
My tank is four week old, I have had several deaths: 5 turbo snails, cleaner shrimp and now it looks like my sand star is going. Is there not enough algea and filth to support them, all my levels are good. Just not sure which direction to head. Thanks
 

hlcroghan

Active Member
It sounds like shock and yes not enough food. We need to know the parameters of your tank. It prolly was not completely cycled.
 
R

regina13

Guest
It also might be copper. Did you buy your tank used or new? Have you ever used medications in the tank? If so, check if they have copper.
 
You just didn't wait long enough. Don't go out buying copper test kits, and all that crap. Just wait a little longer and don't get a sand sifting star, most of them die unless you have a huge tank.
 

srfisher17

Active Member
I think if you have cycled, some nitrates would be present. Did you see nitrite & ammonia spikes?
Even if the tank was medicated with copper, a good rinsing (or carbon/cuprisorb) will take care of it. I just don't buy the idea that copper accumulates in the silicone and leaches back in. If it did, my QT water would be loaded with copper.
 

ghouston

New Member
After reading many different threads i have come to realize that I did not cycle my tank at all, the man at the store had me putting fish in my tank in three days, yippie. I have:
3 clowns
2 damsel
1 salley lightfoot
1 hippo tang
is there anything i can do?
 

srfisher17

Active Member
Originally Posted by ghouston
http:///forum/post/2723479
After reading many different threads i have come to realize that I did not cycle my tank at all, the man at the store had me putting fish in my tank in three days, yippie. I have:
3 clowns
2 damsel
1 salley lightfoot
1 hippo tang
is there anything i can do?
IMO; all your fish will be dead if you don't act quickly.
1st- See if the lfs will hold them until you're ready. Any decent lfs should. (I hope it isn't *****) Its their fault.If they won't; re-post for suggestions. 2nd-Do lots of reading & research. I'd suggest reading a book like Bob Fenner's 'The Conscience marine Aquarist" cover to cover. 3rd- Find a new source for future livestock. the advice you got was beyond terrible. Also, keep in touch via this forum. Lots of folks here will help you get on the right track. BTW, how big is your tank, tell us about filtration,etc., etc.
 

mr. quick

New Member
You gotta let it cycle all the way, if you fail to do so you will not keep anything, also try to not use TAP water, ALWAYS try to use an R.O. system, lots of inverts need R.O. Water to keep kickin brotha.....Quick
 

spiderwoman

Active Member
Holy moly. Take the fish back to your LFS and don't even attempt to keep a Tang in 30 gallon tank. Your tank needs to cycle first... take it slowly. Nothing good happens fast in this hobby.
 

srfisher17

Active Member
Originally Posted by SpiderWoman
http:///forum/post/2724061
Holy moly. Take the fish back to your LFS and don't even attempt to keep a Tang in 30 gallon tank. Your tank needs to cycle first... take it slowly. Nothing good happens fast in this hobby.
I'm the world's most impatient person; but this hobby has taught me plenty. In your defense, it really sounds like you're getting some terrible advice.
 

ghouston

New Member
Thanks, I have had fish in my tank for four weeks now, my fitration is way oversized. Do you recommend i make any changes?
 

srfisher17

Active Member
Originally Posted by ghouston
http:///forum/post/2724427
Thanks, I have had fish in my tank for four weeks now, my fitration is way oversized. Do you recommend i make any changes?
It's really hard to have too much filtration in a SW tank. What do you use? Any LR? Skimmer?
 

ghouston

New Member
I have a wet/dry sump: tidepool 2 is the make it added another 15 gallons. 30lbs of live rock and live sand. no protein skimmer
 

srfisher17

Active Member
Originally Posted by ghouston
http:///forum/post/2724903
I have a wet/dry sump: tidepool 2 is the make it added another 15 gallons. 30lbs of live rock and live sand. no protein skimmer
Should work fine. A skimmer would be a good next buy; but, IMO, not necessary in a FOWLR tank. I'd stay away from tangs in a tank as small as yours and get some good advice as you re-stock. Also, re-stock slowly after you are sure your tank is ready. In smaller tanks, any addition has an effect on your bio-filter. 1 or 2 small fish at a time, max.
 
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