Green chromis problem

[lillibirdy]

I am trying to QT some Green Chromis for my 55g tank. I had 6 tiny ones in a ten gallon tank, but keep losing all but two within days of getting them. I couldn't find anything wrong with my tank, thought it was the fish, and got some more, but same thing happened. My tank is stable and the remaining two seemed fine, until I added more that is. I remember reading somewhere someone saying the Green Chromis wheren't hardy as of late... is anyone familiar with this? Or is a ten gallon just too small for more than two baby Green Chromis, for more than a few days? Not adding anymore till mystery is solved, I feel like a murderer.
Thx
KathyW

 

[rstiles]

Did you flote bag to get the water temps the same ? also did you add a little water (3 or 4 oz every 5 min) to the bag so fish can get use to any changes such as p.h salinity ect.

 

[lillibirdy]

Yes, the LFS's PH and salinity is same as mine, (tested), and I acclimated for about an hour adding a bit of water to the bag at a time, then dumping some out and adding a bit more at a time.
KathyW

 

[rstiles]

did you check ammonia,nitrite,nitrate ? adding 6 small chromis at a time might be to much for a ten gallon to handal even though the chromis is what you would call bullet prove.

 

[lillibirdy]

Last time I added 4 more to the two already in there. I checked twice a day this last time to see if any ammonia, nitrite spikes beginning, none at all...Nitrates 10, PH 8.2 alk 10 dkh, Calcium 460.

 

[snipe]

I think there just crowded in a 10 gallon tank.

 

[lillibirdy]

I wondered about the crowded thing. But since it hadn't changed water parameters, then you think they are just getting stressed out and dying within a weeks time, showing no symptoms? It is just so strange, they are swimming and eating, then just dead, one at a time...?

 

[pohtr]

I had 4 of 5 chromis die within 2 days in a 90 gal. One of the lfs told me it was a bad time for chromis and that was not from the place that sold them to me. The last one is doing fine.

 

[p. pilate]

as far as not a good time for chromis, that's just not the case, imo. I bought 5 of them 2 weeks ago and they are all perfectly healthy. they're probably too overcrowded in that tank, on top of probably adding too much ammonia to the tank

 

[snipe]

Since there was no amonia reading it wasnt that. It is the fact of swimming space they need room to move. You cant stick a whale in a 1000 gallon tank could you?

 

[dad&son]

not sure how you acclimated them but I do know my LFS keeps there tanks at a very LOW salinity it helps control diseseas like ich and others. If you havent drip acclimated them for at least to hours they may not be able the swing in the salinity level

 

[lillibirdy]

The LFS has same salinity as mine, I had him calibrate my two different swing arms for me with his tank water, and his refractometer (that same day I bought the chromis), and I always use both of them to check salinity. I have him calibrate each time I am in there, pain in the butt I know, but I am doing hypo on the other tank, and am trying to be very careful till I get my own refractometer.
I acclimated over an hour dripping water in every 5 to 10 minutes or so and then dumping a tad bit out every third time or so.
Wow, I guess I thought 6 tiny chromis have enough swimming room in a ten gallon for a month of QT.... will I really have to do it two at a time?
I really appreciate all the help. I am glad at least someone else has heard the chromis rumor besides me.
KathyW

 

[92protruck]

I wanted to buy 5 green chromis. My LFS talked me out of it because he knows I haven't lost anything in my tank and that I don't plan on losing anything. He said they are fragile and he always encourages people to buy 3 more than what they want because of the strong possibility that 2 or 3 may die in short order. He may be the smartest marine biologist on the planet, a complete idiot or just trying to sell 3 more fish! No clue. I personally trust him and have had good results so far. I am just passing on info I was told at my LFS. I am no expert and I have no personal knowledge. Maybe this helps.

 

[osb]

As far as I have heard, green chromis are very hardy. I think someone earlier in this thread called them "bullet proof". I have never heard of them being fragile, but then again I am new to this.