Clownfish Died - Nitrate Spike

Kacor13 · Mar 30, 2021

josephxsxn said:
Can you talk to us about the source of your water, and how you make your salt mix?

Sorry at this point I am just trying to ask questions that may give us some hint.

I purchased it from the pet store premixed. And ask away. I’m so new I don’t know what to really look for.

Zer0 · Mar 30, 2021

Wondering if any hitchhikers from the live rock could be the culprit. It’s always strange when things die in such a short period of time, but I also feel like if it was some predator from the liverock it wouldn’t have left a body, or much of one anyways...

Did you inspect the fish when you pulled it from the tank? Did you notice any damage/marks to the body and/or fins?

Kacor13 · Mar 30, 2021

Zer0 said:
Wondering if any hitchhikers from the live rock could be the culprit. It’s always strange when things die in such a short period of time, but I also feel like if it was some predator from the liverock it wouldn’t have left a body, or much of one anyways...

Did you inspect the fish when you pulled it from the tank? Did you notice any damage/marks to the body and/or fins?

I did. It looked whole. A little discolored though almost see through in the white area.

josephxsxn · Mar 30, 2021

Did it eat any during the few days you had it?

Kacor13 · Mar 30, 2021

josephxsxn said:
Did it eat any during the few days you had it?

Yes. I gave it about 1/3 of a frozen cube as the pet store suggested.

Nhjmc · Mar 30, 2021

That sucks sorry for your loss. I’m still learning the hard way seems like lately anyway. Didn’t see it mentioned so I’ll mention it....How long did you and by what method was acclimation? I’m no pro in the hobby by any means but know if any big difference in ph and or salinity if not properly acclimated will stress a new fish big time.

Bmw015 · Mar 30, 2021

Nitrates at 20ppm won't kill your fish. Unless it was exposed for a long period of time. Could it be stray voltage from your heater?

Nhjmc · Mar 30, 2021

sorry double post there.

dvgyfresh · Mar 30, 2021

Any air fresheners or cleaning product used near tank?

josephxsxn · Mar 30, 2021

Any kids that may have put somthing in the tank?

Reef. · Mar 30, 2021

Do you have a lid on the tank?

I'm thinking maybe lack of oxygen? If no surface movement, you don't have a skimmer either, if you also have a lid on the tank it could have been lack of oxygen.

Kacor13 · Mar 30, 2021

Reef. said:
Do you have a lid on the tank?

I'm thinking maybe lack of oxygen? If no surface movement, you don't have a skimmer either, if you also have a lid on the tank it could have been lack of oxygen.

I do. I have a HOB filter and two mp40s creating surface movement. Should I remove the lid?

Kacor13 · Mar 30, 2021

josephxsxn said:
Any kids that may have put somthing in the tank?

No. They know better.

Kacor13 · Mar 30, 2021

dvgyfresh said:
Any air fresheners or cleaning product used near tank?

No.

Kacor13 · Mar 30, 2021

Bmw015 said:
Nitrates at 20ppm won't kill your fish. Unless it was exposed for a long period of time. Could it be stray voltage from your heater?

No clue.

Kacor13 · Mar 30, 2021

Nhjmc said:
That sucks sorry for your loss. I’m still learning the hard way seems like lately anyway. Didn’t see it mentioned so I’ll mention it....How long did you and by what method was acclimation? I’m no pro in the hobby by any means but know if any big difference in ph and or salinity if not properly acclimated will stress a new fish big time.

Thanks. I placed the bag with the fish inside my tank for a little over an hour and then I introduced a little bit of water over time until the waters were merged.

Reef. · Mar 30, 2021

Kacor13 said:
I do. I have a HOB filter and two mp40s creating surface movement. Should I remove the lid?

If it doesn't have a mesh top I would remove it and get one with a mesh top, unless you have a good reason for the lid you have, you will have to top up with rodi water much more regularly and buy an ato, but with no skimmer getting air into the tank and a sealed top? I think lack oxygen was probably a big factor in this.