All new fish are dying! Need suggestions

[Tig1199]

Can I get a little help on setting up (resetting) my QT? This way I don’t jack this up too..
THIS WAS DONE BEFORE TALKING TO YOU ALL.. so tell me if I’m ok.
Its a 55 w/ gravity rain type refugium. Cotton type filter then bio balls then carbon sheet then sump to tank.. I have half my bio-balls from DT to jump start bio. Temp is 80.
Lots of current but not over kill.. Same LED light. Had some sand in it but taking that out.. and only items I will have in it are pieces of PVC pipe for the fish to hide while in QT..

On the right track?

 

[hdsoftail1065]

Did you have sand in you tank when you done the copper?? If so, if it was me, I would replace that as well. But I would do it out of fear of another crash.

 

[hdsoftail1065]

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/beginners-guide-to-acclimation-and-quarantine.304980/

 

[Tig1199]

Did you have sand in you tank when you done the copper?? If so, if it was me, I would replace that as well. But I would do it out of fear of another crash.

I’m absolutely removing it too... I’m starting over with a empty tank. Plus, I’m not going to add a bottom when I start the DT over.

 

[hdsoftail1065]

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.138750/

 

[hdsoftail1065]

Can I get a little help on setting up (resetting) my QT? This way I don’t jack this up too..
THIS WAS DONE BEFORE TALKING TO YOU ALL.. so tell me if I’m ok.
Its a 55 w/ gravity rain type refugium. Cotton type filter then bio balls then carbon sheet then sump to tank.. I have half my bio-balls from DT to jump start bio. Temp is 80.
Lots of current but not over kill.. Same LED light. Had some sand in it but taking that out.. and only items I will have in it are pieces of PVC pipe for the fish to hide while in QT..

On the right track?

Qt tanks are easy and don't have to be expensive. Have you watched the BRS videos? These are great...

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/video/video-category/52-weeks-of-reefing

 

[Tig1199]

Qt tanks are easy and don't have to be expensive. Have you watched the BRS videos? These are great...

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/video/video-category/52-weeks-of-reefing

So I’m almost wondering if my acclimation process is what is part of my problem...I stopped floating and was only dripping.. hmmm

 

[Flippers4pups]

You have gotten some great advice here. I'll add some as well.

Before you buy any fish or coral, research it's needs and ask questions here. Sounds like you have had some poor advice given to you from that LFS. I wouldn't trust what they may say to you going forward.

When your ready again to purchase fish, please don't drip acclimate them. (Inverts yes, I'll explain later) The reason not to drip is because of ammonia.

Do this:

* Take the unopened bag with the fish and float them in the tank they are going in for 20 mins. This will raise and equalize the temperature in the bag.

* Using a small bucket, enough to keep the fish under water, open the bag and place the fish and water in it.

*Using two small cups, like a Dixie cup size, one for removing water and one for adding water. Don't mix them.

* Remove a small amount of water from the bucket and discard it. Taking the other cup, add the equal amount of water removed from the tank to the bucket.

*Wait a couple minutes and repeat the process.

*Do this for 15 - 20 mins tops. Once done, add the fish to the tank, NOT THE WATER, FISH ONLY! Lights out is best till the next morning.

Why do it this way? Ammonia. Once the bag is opened, the ammonia in the bag will start to become toxic. Takes very little ammonia to do damage to the gills and/or organs. 45mins- 1 hour dripping can cause the ammonia in the fish water to reach toxic levels. Removing some water in with the fish and adding some fresh reduces this toxicity. Keeping the cups separate, reduces chances of free swiming parasites from entering the tank.

Word of caution, it's best not to add any water conditioner such as Prime or Amquel to the bag water the fish is in. If the LFS uses copper in their tanks, that copper laden water will react with the conditioner and cause the copper to become 10x as strong causing damage and/or death.

 

[Flippers4pups]

Inverts, depending on what they are, say shrimp, require that long drip acclimation. Removing water isn't necessary, but can be done. Due to the fact they they produce little ammonia. Slow drip allows them to acclimate to the water pramameters, such as SG. Osmotic shock is a danger to them. I drip my shrimp for at least 1-2 hrs because of this.

Star fish, same.

 

[FindingNem0]

Inverts, depending on what they are, say shrimp, require that long drip acclimation. Removing water isn't necessary, but can be done. Due to the fact they they produce little ammonia. Slow drip allows them to acclimate to the water pramameters, such as SG. Osmotic shock is a danger to them. I drip my shrimp for at least 1-2 hrs because of this.

Star fish, same.

Yeah I actually never drip acclimated any fish, only my cleaner shrimp was drip acclimated for close to 2hrs. Because they're most common to die from shock.

 

[Flippers4pups]

Yeah I actually never drip acclimated any fish, only my cleaner shrimp was drip acclimated for close to 2hrs. Because they're most common to die from shock.

When I started this hobby back in 93, that was the way you acclimated, drip.

I haven't lost a fish or invert in years since doing it the way I stated, during or shortly after acclimation.

Parasites and disease in QT are a different story.

 

[DaveNJ]

.....

Nitrites-0
Ammonia-+\- 0
Nitrates- 10PPM
Ph-8.2
Copper- +/- .25
Specific gravity- 1.020-1.021
Water changes are religiously done every 2-3 weeks with RO and is approx 25%
All the added rock was live rock when put in.. the sand was not.

You said you do a water change with RO. How are you checking the salinity?

 

[Tig1199]

You said you do a water change with RO. How are you checking the salinity?

Specific gravity meter

 

[hdsoftail1065]

Specific gravity meter

Just following up to see how you are doing, are you getting back on track ok?

 

[FindingNem0]

Get a test kit for phosphate. It will save you in the long run, also buy a good digital salinity reader, I was using the crappy floating ones that said mine was 1.025 but when I used the digital one it was 1.021.

 

[Tig1199]

I ordered a much better salinity reader after going to a phenomenal saltwater store. The owner is actually a “Dr” and been in the business of saltwater for approximately 60 years. Between all of you guys and him, I’m in a much better spot. The info you guys were sharing was a bit overwhelming but he pretty much repeated everything and made it understandable.
Gonna cost me because I need to replace my rock and sand, but I’m atleast positive I will be able to continue to build my DT I’ve always wanted. Also knowing there are so many willing to share their knowledge is a blessing within itself.

 

[FindingNem0]

That's really good news, I hope he leads you on to a better path !!!

 

[Tig1199]

And I’m also buying Salifert test kits..

 

[hdsoftail1065]

Good choice! I have never used salifert test kits but I have heard good things about them. Red Sea and salifert are two that are mentioned fequently. For ALK, allot of folks are using the Hanna Marine Alkalinity checker. I just picked up one a couple of weeks ago and love it so far.

 

[Tig1199]

Am I allowed to mention the name of the store I recently got info from? Don’t want to violate any rules here but there prices are great and they also ship. So some may be interested in checking out the store or even just the web page.

Good choice! I have never used salifert test kits but I have heard good things about them. Red Sea and salifert are two that are mentioned fequently. For ALK, allot of folks are using the Hanna Marine Alkalinity checker. I just picked up one a couple of weeks ago and love it so far.