False Perc problem

[mitchell]

:help:
I have a 90 gallon salt with 125 lbs. of live rock, 60 lbs. live sand, berlin sump, 900 gph pump, Turbo flotor skimmer, 25 watt uv sterilizer, calcium reactor. two 110 actinic blue VHO, two 175 MH, and moonlights. This tank was setup in late december 2004. I have a variety of about 15 corals and 15 fish.
When I set up the tank i bought a pair of False Percs. They acted fine for the first few days they spent most of their time together and kept to the same corner of the tank when they rested. After about three days one of the two started to stay in the upper corner of the tank all of the time. It did not want to eat or come out at all. This went on for about two weeks and then is died. The other clown was very playful and tried to nip at your hand and would also take food from your hand. Last sunday I went and got another false Perc and put it in the tank. The first day they swam together and were fine, but now the origional clown that was so playful is doing just as the other one that died. It stays in the corner of the tank and it eats very little.
Is there anything I can do?
Mitchell

 

[thomas712]

I guess the first thing that comes to mind is an ammonia problem.
I have to ask but how did you cycle this tank, did everything go alright?
15 fish in a 90 sounds like it could be a problem, depending on what they are. I have a 90 gallon and only have 5 fish, low bio load less problems.
Have you tested your water for ammonia, nitrites and nitrates?
I think we need to examine your water paramiters first and then go from there.
Also can you list the fish you have?
Thomas
Welcome to the board

 

[mana_man19]

Was the new clown bigger, smaller, or about the same size as the existing one? And are there any anemones present in the tank?

 

[mitchell]

The fish in the tank are 2 clowns, 1 yellow tang, 1 lawnmower blenny. 7 green chromis, 2 pajama fish, 1 yellow watchman goby, 1 goby engineer.
The water test today are:
Amonia-.25
nitrite-0
nitrate-0
PH-8.3
Calcium-480
phosphate-0.5
water temp-79
I change 10 gallons of water per week.
Mitchell

 

[mitchell]

The new clown is about the same size as the other one. There is one Aneomone in the tank.
Mitchell

 

[ym]

yicks! you ammonia is WAAY too high. keep it at 0. but then again. Since you had your tank set up in late dec, meaning your cycle isn't finished. Turn off your uv lights, and place your fish in hospital tank, and let the tank finish the job(cycle). it takes a month to two. Also, I would preferred to have your skimmer off too.

 

[mitchell]

My ammonia is only showing 0.25. I always do a water change on saturday night and this morning(sunday) the ammonia is now showing 0.
Mitchell

 

[jacknjill]

did you cycle the tank?

 

[bang guy]

You just put fish in there too fast, that's all. You can expect some fluctuating water parameters as your tank matures.
Going slow can be a lot less stressful on you and on your fish.

 

[mitchell]

I'm not having problems with anything but this one fish.
Mitchell

 

[jacknjill]

i kno w but you need to answer this question, did you cycle the tank or not?

 

[bang guy]

Originally posted by mitchell
I'm not having problems with anything but this one fish.
Mitchell
You're not having any "notoceable" problems except with that one fish.
Sustained ammonia levels above zero will eventually cause permanant neurological damage. Has the fish your having problems with been in the tank the longest?