FOX FACE very scared

[siva kumar]

Hi, friends I just purchase a pair of fox face 4 days ago. They look very uncomfortable in the tank. They pretending like dead and change color to gray. I have two more Damsels and they are doing well with some live rocks. I have tested NO2, NO3 and Salt too. Can suggest what to do?

Siva
Malaysia

 

[earlybird]

how did you acclimate them? What are the results of your tests? How big is the tank and how old?

 

[siva kumar]

I put the fish in the tank for 30minits without opening the packing and then I add some 2 cups of aquarium water into it for 3 times in 20 mints then I net the fish and let it into the tank

 

[siva kumar]

Originally Posted by earlybird
how did you acclimate them? What are the results of your tests? How big is the tank and how old?
the no2 is 0.0mg the salt is 0.021

 

[earlybird]

This could be the problem. The fish needed more acclimation or a better acclimation process. It's best to drip acclimate fish for at least 2 hours even if salinity matches. They are probably in shock and are now stressed. Keep the lights off for a day or two and don't worry about feeding until they look better (couple of days). Check out the link on the toolbar on the left for "Acclimation."

 

[uberlink]

These fish are quite prone to stress, but they are also very hardy. Hopefully they'll snap out of it after a few more days. Follow the advice above.
One other thought...mine absolutely loves the green veggie flakes from Julian Sprung. Soak them in tank water for a minute or two before pouring them in. That pretty much always brings mine out of his funk when something scares him.

 

[zeke92]

yeah that wasn't a good way to acclimate. too fast and too much at a time. he should be fine in a day or two.

 

[dragonzim]

You salinity is a little on the low side as well. It should be around 1.024-1.026.

 

[earlybird]

Originally Posted by DragonZim
You salinity is a little on the low side as well. It should be around 1.024-1.026.
For a reef yes. I don't know if he/she said if it's a reef or fish only?

 

[ophiura]

Yes, for a FO that specific gravity would be considered normal.
IME, these fish are quite skittish when in a new environment or when stressed. I would just give them time to adjust, avoid a lot of activity in the tank, etc.