I need help

cdm

New Member
Today, I bought my first salt water aquarium, and did everything the pet store told me to do, I bought a special bio packet that they said would make the water ready for fish immediately. After about a few hours, we bought a pair of clown fish and they appeared to do well for about 5 hours, then they just started swimming at the top of the aquarium as if they could not get down??? Help!! I dont want to loose these fish.
 

toughguy80

Member
If at all possible I'd take them back. I'm not sure how well the bio packet you bought will work, but all saltwater tanks go through a cycle. This cylce nomrally takes a month or so and is lethal to most fish. I think it's impossible to not have a cycle. I think the stuff you bought just speeds it up, it will still happen. Clowns are somewhat hardy and might be able to survive a cycle but they very well could die if things get bad in there. Also, the swimming can be explained as them just swimming. I have 2 clowns that spend most of the day in the top corner or my tank so no worries there. Watch for hard breathing and general sluggishness. If you see this that means they are in trouble. Like I said, I'd return them and get some test kits. Test the water and give it at least a week or 2(if the test are good) before buying. The key word in this hobby is SLOW. Unfortunatly I found that out the hard way and it stunk.
 

nyyankeees

Member
I agree that the fish should be returned if possible. Unfortunately, you will find out that alot of(but not all) pet store people will tell you things that are untrue. Some because they simply are uneducated on the topic, some because they just want to make a sale. The keys to success in this hobby is reading and getting info before you do something or add something to your tankand alot of patience. This link will take you to some great info for new hobbyists, Good Luck.
https://www.saltwaterfish.com/vb/showthread.php?t=80022
 
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