very skinny

[newb2salt]

I have a 180 gallon tank no live rock or inverts. Not treated with any meds. I had some ich so I dropped the salinity to 1.009-1.008and have been in cycle for almost a month (ich seems to be clear but going to keep cycle for another couple of weeks). I have a community tank with Emperor Angel, Naso Tang, Powder Blue Tang, Hippo Tang, Sailfin Tang and Yellow Tang. They all get along, very passive. They all eat good. I am feeding them a combo frozen brine, Zoe, Garlic and some other shrimp. They also get formula 2 and in the mornings I feed them green seaweed. They all eat everything. I have had all these fish at least 4 months.
Readings are ... PH...8.2
nitrites...0
ammonia...0
nitrates... a little high @ 0.50
Ok the problem is that the Yellow Tang is getting skinnier every day. He is getting so skinny now that I am afraid he will get sick and die soon. I'm talking really skinny in his stomach area. Anyone with any thoughts? Beth? Lion? Anyone?

 

[lion_crazz]

Well, the problem here is that you have animals that NEED live rock to live and thrive. We are not talking about triggers and groupers here. They would probably be fine without live rock. Angels and tangs, on the other hand, really need live rock in their enviroment. Those animals are constant pickers. That is one major problem.
When you say nitrates are .50, do you mean nitrites are at .50 or nitrates are at 50?

 

[newb2salt]

Nitrates. Live rock for real well I guess I'll have to pick up a couple hundred lbs "Sigh" know anything about curing?

 

[lion_crazz]

Well, the fish will probably not be able to get better if you don't get those nitrates down to about 10-15 at least. Large water changes of at least 30-35% are recommended. Small water changes will not bring down high nitrates.
Yes, I know plenty about curing. I cured 200 lbs. of rock in my basement for my 210.

 

[newb2salt]

Ok thanks for the information. So looks like I'm done with my hypo. Get Nitrates down and introduce live rock..... Thank You!

 

[sleasia]

you can also try adding some drops of vitamin C to their food as well.

 

[symon]

Go easy on adding the LR, if you add to much to fast to your tank you can cause some serious problems! There will be some die off weather you get it locally or by mail!