***royal Gramma Question***

[wethomas5]

I am a fairly new to the saltwater hobbyist, i have a 55 with about 3-4 corals and 2 types of PJ fish, a nemo and another clown fish and just added a royal gramma yesterday. Ever since adding the royal gramma he has stayed hidden behind the live rock and today is getting down fairly low, lodging himself between the rock and the back of the tank and laying on his side...he looks like he's dead but his fins are moving..is this their nature?? or is he fixin to die? thanks for your comments if anyone knows...

 

[alyssia]

What are your water parameters? He may just be scared, but I personally have not had any luck with royal grammas. I tried two and both of them died fairly quickly, I do not have trouble keeping any other fish, just royal grammas. :thinking:
Anyway, we need to know how long your tank has been set up, your sg, ph, ammonia, and nitrites and nitrates. and temp

 

[dexter]

I added a RG about 2 weeks ago, and he was pretty much hidden for about 8-9 days before he got comfortable and established his own area. He hasn't had any problems with any of the other fish so far and eats pretty good.
Definately post your water parameters and keep an eye on him. Is he eating at all, and where did you get him? online or LFS?
Good luck, keep us posted.
Dxtr

 

[pallan]

they like to hide in rockwork and wedge themselves into some real tights spots to feel safe. probably just getting acustomed.

 

[alyssia]

They will also sleep upside down under rocks.

 

[wethomas5]

I did have the water tested yesterday before I purchased the RG at a LFS. They said all my levels were great. The tank has been up now for about 3 months and I have been adding everything very slowly and having the water tested each week. They did tell my salinity level was a litttle high yesterday, but all else was in perfect shape. Thanks for your imput. I'll continue to keep an eye on him.

 

[breckco.ky]

WeThomas,
Glad your enjoying the SW hobby However if I was you instead of purchasing all this livestock in a 3 month period I would really start researching everything there is to keeping a reef tank. I personally would not trust a LFS to test my water....You can buy a 25-35 dollar liquid test kit and do it yourself once a week. Another great start to this hobby other then this forum's faq articles..believe it or not is ''Saltwater Fish For Dummies'' book...dont laugh I bought it a year ago and actually gained alot from it....Good luck to you and happy hobbying!!