Wrasse Dilema. Please help? =(
- Thread starter lyndseydanell
- Start date
lyndseydanell
New Member
Alright, I'm going to start doing the water change. I'll keep you guys updated. Thank you so much for your help. If you have any more inputs please let me know. I'll check regularly. Thank you!!!!
fishygurl
Active Member
Originally Posted by LyndseyDaNell
http:///forum/post/2714176
Alright, I'm going to start doing the water change. I'll keep you guys updated. Thank you so much for your help. If you have any more inputs please let me know. I'll check regularly. Thank you!!!!
if you have any questions just ask.
http:///forum/post/2714176
Alright, I'm going to start doing the water change. I'll keep you guys updated. Thank you so much for your help. If you have any more inputs please let me know. I'll check regularly. Thank you!!!!
if you have any questions just ask.
hlcroghan
Active Member
RO is just better in the long run for the health of the tank, but it is also more expensive. Just like you drinking tap water. Sure you can survive but it still isn't good for you. You are working on time constraints here though. You can go to the grocery store and get RO drinking water that has been purified in gallon jugs. Sometimes your LFS will carry premixed "ocean water". Mine sells premixed water for $1 a gallon. You just need to ensure that the salinity is the same as the water in the tank before you add it. Keep on asking questions and a lot of people on here will help you as much as they can.
aquaknight
Active Member
See if I can clarify.... (if some of seems too dumbed down, I mean no offense, for just starting out, you are really getting the handle very quickly).
The reason you may have been told not to do a water change, is because your filter's are fresh and haven't "cycled." They need time to build nitrificating bacteria. Nitrificating bacteria is what makes are saltwater tanks possible. They convert ammonia and nitrite into nitrates. Ammonia and nitrites come from left over fish food, fish wastes, etc. Ammonia and nitrites are also poision to fish, but their amount in the tank has to be high enough, in order for the bacteria to form. However if the levels get to high, they can and will kill your fish. That is why a normal 'cycle' is done without fish. It will be sort of a juggling act for you. Trying to get your tank to cycle without the levels getting to high.
It really sounds like you want to become part of this hobby. At this point, the best thing you can do, is get yourself some good test kits. There is little we or the LFS can do if we don't know you're water parameters. You already have something to measure the salt level (salinity), the basic test kits you need right now are, Ammonia (NH4), Nitrite (NO2), Nitrates (NO3), and pH. These last for a while and are worth every penny if you plan on staying in the hobby.
It sounds like you have two types of chemicals and like you know both, but anyway, one type is more or less, nitrificating bacteria in a bottle. They will quickly consume ammonia and nitrites. The other is indeed used to treat tap water, mostly to get the chlroine and other chemicals out. If you just plan to keep this fish or only fish and no corals or anything, using tap water is going to be fine. Many "veterans" here may or may not admit it, but they use tap water as well.
You want to use the chlorine stuff when you do a water change. Add it to the water before you mix the salt in, and definitley don't add directly to the tank (just making sure). For the Start-Up stuff, read the labels and do whatever it says. That and water changes should keep everything safe. If you are going to get test kits, we can go from there. But for now do the suggested water changes, every 2-3 days, 5gals, and add in the correct amount of chemical according to the back of the label.
The reason you may have been told not to do a water change, is because your filter's are fresh and haven't "cycled." They need time to build nitrificating bacteria. Nitrificating bacteria is what makes are saltwater tanks possible. They convert ammonia and nitrite into nitrates. Ammonia and nitrites come from left over fish food, fish wastes, etc. Ammonia and nitrites are also poision to fish, but their amount in the tank has to be high enough, in order for the bacteria to form. However if the levels get to high, they can and will kill your fish. That is why a normal 'cycle' is done without fish. It will be sort of a juggling act for you. Trying to get your tank to cycle without the levels getting to high.
It really sounds like you want to become part of this hobby. At this point, the best thing you can do, is get yourself some good test kits. There is little we or the LFS can do if we don't know you're water parameters. You already have something to measure the salt level (salinity), the basic test kits you need right now are, Ammonia (NH4), Nitrite (NO2), Nitrates (NO3), and pH. These last for a while and are worth every penny if you plan on staying in the hobby.
It sounds like you have two types of chemicals and like you know both, but anyway, one type is more or less, nitrificating bacteria in a bottle. They will quickly consume ammonia and nitrites. The other is indeed used to treat tap water, mostly to get the chlroine and other chemicals out. If you just plan to keep this fish or only fish and no corals or anything, using tap water is going to be fine. Many "veterans" here may or may not admit it, but they use tap water as well.
You want to use the chlorine stuff when you do a water change. Add it to the water before you mix the salt in, and definitley don't add directly to the tank (just making sure). For the Start-Up stuff, read the labels and do whatever it says. That and water changes should keep everything safe. If you are going to get test kits, we can go from there. But for now do the suggested water changes, every 2-3 days, 5gals, and add in the correct amount of chemical according to the back of the label.
lyndseydanell
New Member
I have all the test kits. I just bought a 5 gallon bucket to start doing the water change. I bought some extra salt just in case an emergency might occur. I have an Ammonia, Nitrate, Nitrite, and pH test kit. I'm going to test the water really quick and see what they're all at before I do the water change. You guys are helping me out so much and you're the reason why I'm catching on (if any lol) quickly. I've been reading the forum and finding out information about other people's tanks just in case it ever happens to mine. I'm going to do these readings real quick and post them. Thanks so much! =)
lyndseydanell
New Member
Okay, I did my tests. My pH was between 8.0-8.2, Ammonia was slightly under 0.25 ppm, Nitrate was between 0 and 5 ppm, and my Nitrite was 0 ppm. How do those sound?
I also found some of that chemical that was mentioned earlier. It's called Seachem, metronidazole, for Marine and freshwater medication. I don't think it was the same thing that was mentioned up there because he was talking about a stabilizer and this just seems to be medicine. Okay, well should I still go through with the water change with those readings or what?
I also found some of that chemical that was mentioned earlier. It's called Seachem, metronidazole, for Marine and freshwater medication. I don't think it was the same thing that was mentioned up there because he was talking about a stabilizer and this just seems to be medicine. Okay, well should I still go through with the water change with those readings or what?
aquaknight
Active Member
Metronidazole is an antibiotic, used to treat protozoal infections. In marine fish, this is typically dinoflagellates (the lesser common type of two forms of internal parasites). I really don't see a point in dosing it at this stage. It's not a 'treat-all' type medicine and medicines in general seem to stress fish out further.
I would going through with the water changes. The ammonia is getting up there. I would expected to see some nitrates at this point though.
I would going through with the water changes. The ammonia is getting up there. I would expected to see some nitrates at this point though.
lyndseydanell
New Member
Okay, I'm about to do a 10 gallon water change. I think that should be enough for a 55 gallon tank. Wish my luck and I'll post more details when I get more. Inputs are welcome. Thank you so much for everything! =)
fishygurl
Active Member
good luck! and it sounds like your really trying hard to make this work! And are willing to go buy things for it is good, instead of some people where they are like ok i got this tank but they wont go buy anything they need to help their situation. It sounds like you really want to have this tank in the long run!
So welcome to the hobby!
So welcome to the hobby!
lyndseydanell
New Member
Aww, thank you Fishygurl. =) I am really trying hard. I hate to see animals suffer and I'll do anything to try to make somethings life better.
I just finished the water change. I did 10 gallons and I used a 5 gallon bucket. I put the right amount of water conditioner and I put it in before I added the salt water like AquaKnight said. I managed to keep the water in the tank at the same temperature and the salt levels are absolutely perfect. So, I'm really happy about that. I was really nervous that it would be all screwed up. I guess I just sit and wait now? I'm starting to keep a log on the tests I do. Maybe I can figure this cycle thing out.
The tank is still foggy, but I guess you can't expect much when you just did it. Time will tell if everything. Topaz (My lunar wrasse) is still laying on the bottom of the tank and he's breathing. I'm prepared for the worst, but I'll keep optimistic. Does anyone have any other suggestions that I should do? I'm going to start research the RO water and see if I can find it somewhere cheap. Thanks again!
I just finished the water change. I did 10 gallons and I used a 5 gallon bucket. I put the right amount of water conditioner and I put it in before I added the salt water like AquaKnight said. I managed to keep the water in the tank at the same temperature and the salt levels are absolutely perfect. So, I'm really happy about that. I was really nervous that it would be all screwed up. I guess I just sit and wait now? I'm starting to keep a log on the tests I do. Maybe I can figure this cycle thing out.
The tank is still foggy, but I guess you can't expect much when you just did it. Time will tell if everything. Topaz (My lunar wrasse) is still laying on the bottom of the tank and he's breathing. I'm prepared for the worst, but I'll keep optimistic. Does anyone have any other suggestions that I should do? I'm going to start research the RO water and see if I can find it somewhere cheap. Thanks again!
fishygurl
Active Member
Originally Posted by LyndseyDaNell
http:///forum/post/2714402
Aww, thank you Fishygurl. =) I am really trying hard. I hate to see animals suffer and I'll do anything to try to make somethings life better.
I just finished the water change. I did 10 gallons and I used a 5 gallon bucket. I put the right amount of water conditioner and I put it in before I added the salt water like AquaKnight said. I managed to keep the water in the tank at the same temperature and the salt levels are absolutely perfect. So, I'm really happy about that. I was really nervous that it would be all screwed up. I guess I just sit and wait now? I'm starting to keep a log on the tests I do. Maybe I can figure this cycle thing out.
The tank is still foggy, but I guess you can't expect much when you just did it. Time will tell if everything. Topaz (My lunar wrasse) is still laying on the bottom of the tank and he's breathing. I'm prepared for the worst, but I'll keep optimistic. Does anyone have any other suggestions that I should do? I'm going to start research the RO water and see if I can find it somewhere cheap. Thanks again!
no problem! Its good to keep a log, a lot of people will make tank diaries and post some- everything they do to the tank. And take pics and stuff so you can look back at how much youve accomplished in the long run.
Keep the lights off of the tank and just have the room lights on. Lights will stress him out more. If the worst should happen are you still looking into being in the hobby? And its really good your looking into ro water you dont want to have to always worry about what your putting in, especially if you plan on eventually going into reefs.
http:///forum/post/2714402
Aww, thank you Fishygurl. =) I am really trying hard. I hate to see animals suffer and I'll do anything to try to make somethings life better.
I just finished the water change. I did 10 gallons and I used a 5 gallon bucket. I put the right amount of water conditioner and I put it in before I added the salt water like AquaKnight said. I managed to keep the water in the tank at the same temperature and the salt levels are absolutely perfect. So, I'm really happy about that. I was really nervous that it would be all screwed up. I guess I just sit and wait now? I'm starting to keep a log on the tests I do. Maybe I can figure this cycle thing out.
The tank is still foggy, but I guess you can't expect much when you just did it. Time will tell if everything. Topaz (My lunar wrasse) is still laying on the bottom of the tank and he's breathing. I'm prepared for the worst, but I'll keep optimistic. Does anyone have any other suggestions that I should do? I'm going to start research the RO water and see if I can find it somewhere cheap. Thanks again!
no problem! Its good to keep a log, a lot of people will make tank diaries and post some- everything they do to the tank. And take pics and stuff so you can look back at how much youve accomplished in the long run.
Keep the lights off of the tank and just have the room lights on. Lights will stress him out more. If the worst should happen are you still looking into being in the hobby? And its really good your looking into ro water you dont want to have to always worry about what your putting in, especially if you plan on eventually going into reefs.
lyndseydanell
New Member
Okay, I turned one of the lights off because the lighting in my room is really poor. I turned the light off that was over him.
Yeah, if he does die I'm going to keep up the hobby. I've already been looking at other fish. I'll probably go to a reef tank if he does die. Go with some anemones and clowns, something more nice and less aggressive than Lunar Wrasses.
If he does live though, it's going to be really hard to deal with because he is the first one in the tank and he's already so territorial. I'll have to plan out an aggressive tank. But, first things first I need to get this cycle thing planned out and figure out more information before I even think about harming any other fish. =P
Yeah, if he does die I'm going to keep up the hobby. I've already been looking at other fish. I'll probably go to a reef tank if he does die. Go with some anemones and clowns, something more nice and less aggressive than Lunar Wrasses.
If he does live though, it's going to be really hard to deal with because he is the first one in the tank and he's already so territorial. I'll have to plan out an aggressive tank. But, first things first I need to get this cycle thing planned out and figure out more information before I even think about harming any other fish. =P
C
cmaxwell39
Guest
You are doing great for being thrown into this hobby. Just keep reading and asking questions and you will do just fine. I hope your wrasse makes it.
lyndseydanell
New Member
Thank you very much. I hope he makes it too. I've grown attached to him. I have been reading the new hobbyist page a lot. There's a lot of good information there. I'm glad I stumbled into this site. There's no telling what I'd be doing. lol
fishygurl
Active Member
Originally Posted by LyndseyDaNell
http:///forum/post/2714451
Okay, I turned one of the lights off because the lighting in my room is really poor. I turned the light off that was over him.
Yeah, if he does die I'm going to keep up the hobby. I've already been looking at other fish. I'll probably go to a reef tank if he does die. Go with some anemones and clowns, something more nice and less aggressive than Lunar Wrasses.
If he does live though, it's going to be really hard to deal with because he is the first one in the tank and he's already so territorial. I'll have to plan out an aggressive tank. But, first things first I need to get this cycle thing planned out and figure out more information before I even think about harming any other fish. =P
you could always re-aquascape.. btw what else is in the tank? how much rock sand etc?
if he dies and you go reef and you want an anemone you will need to buy metal halide lighting ($$) or really good t5 lighting with individual reflectors. If you want it to survive. Not sure if you know this already but clownfish dont need anemones to live. And some anemones are fish killers, and they can move and sting other corals and get sucked up into filters, so do a lot of planning and asking if you get to this.
http:///forum/post/2714451
Okay, I turned one of the lights off because the lighting in my room is really poor. I turned the light off that was over him.
Yeah, if he does die I'm going to keep up the hobby. I've already been looking at other fish. I'll probably go to a reef tank if he does die. Go with some anemones and clowns, something more nice and less aggressive than Lunar Wrasses.
If he does live though, it's going to be really hard to deal with because he is the first one in the tank and he's already so territorial. I'll have to plan out an aggressive tank. But, first things first I need to get this cycle thing planned out and figure out more information before I even think about harming any other fish. =P
you could always re-aquascape.. btw what else is in the tank? how much rock sand etc?
if he dies and you go reef and you want an anemone you will need to buy metal halide lighting ($$) or really good t5 lighting with individual reflectors. If you want it to survive. Not sure if you know this already but clownfish dont need anemones to live. And some anemones are fish killers, and they can move and sting other corals and get sucked up into filters, so do a lot of planning and asking if you get to this.
lyndseydanell
New Member
Yeah, I'm not really for sure yet on exactly what to do. I have a lot of learning to do and I've been reading a lot. I have around 70 pounds of sand and about 20 pounds of rock. I need to get some more live rock. I've just been really broke. The only fish I have is my lunar wrasse.
My fish tank is completely clear now and I did the tests again. My Ammonia was high again, higher than yesterday. I put some prime in and hopefully it will help it out. Topaz (my fishy) has been pretty active today for how he has been lately. He's been laying at the bottom of the tank, usually on his side. Today he was still laying on the bottom of the tank, but he actually was swimming around for a couple of seconds here and there. I'm really scared because he hasn't been eating, but I heard that fish can go a pretty long time without eating. I really hope he snaps out of it.
My fish tank is completely clear now and I did the tests again. My Ammonia was high again, higher than yesterday. I put some prime in and hopefully it will help it out. Topaz (my fishy) has been pretty active today for how he has been lately. He's been laying at the bottom of the tank, usually on his side. Today he was still laying on the bottom of the tank, but he actually was swimming around for a couple of seconds here and there. I'm really scared because he hasn't been eating, but I heard that fish can go a pretty long time without eating. I really hope he snaps out of it.