Clownfish in Cold Tank!

[TheClassyClown]

Hey everyone, I wish I could introduce myself under better circumstances. I recently got my first marine tank, 75 gallon. For the first 48 hours after I filled it and added salt, live sand, and some live rocks I put in some hermit crabs, a sandsifting starfish, some turbo snails, a pencil urchin, and two midnight clownfish. I have only just purchased a thermometer and heater on amazon two day shipping arriving wednesday, but I am just wondering if my little guys will survive that long. I'm not sure how cold the water is, but it is noticeably cold to the touch. My house is generally kept at 70, but I set the thermo at 73 today. Does anyone know of any short term solutions for warming the tank until the heater arrives? Is this a dangerous problem? I'm going to call the store in the morning and see if they would take the fish back until the heater arrives.

 

[SurfTrack]

I think the more important issue is that you did not cycle your tank. The ammonia spikes will probably kill the clowns before the cold will.

1. Are you aware of the nitrogen cycle?
2. Did you cycle your tank in any way
3. Do you have a test kit, if so what are your parameters?

Also if your house is at 73, you'll be fine.

 

[Evan28395950]

How old is this tank? Sounds like your cycle hasn’t even finished. If this is the case, return all livestock to your lfs ASAP. Most likely they’ll die if you don’t.

 

[Jvesche20]

How old is this tank? Sounds like your cycle hasn’t even finished. If this is the case, return all livestock to your lfs ASAP. Most likely they’ll die if you don’t.

Agreed here. Usually cycle takes about a month. Could get lucky and the fish can survive but it will cause a lot of stress on the fish if and when there ammonia present

 

[Jacked Reefer]

Your fish and snails will most likely die anyways. IMO return the clownfish. Do a lot more reading. And come back here with all the questions you have. R2R is a great resource to help you get into a wonderful hobby!

EDIT: this thread reflects your current situation https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/i-did-the-bad.556582/

 

[Mastiffsrule]

Hi and welcome.

That seems like a lot of stuff way to fast. Like others mentioned I would try to get the fish returned or see if the store has a tank to hold them in.

I came across a great guide on starting a tank here. Don’t know how to attach it but it was by Lasse, I believe. Definitely read that or other guides to help. The time and research you do up front will yield great results for years to come.

Don’t forget, they are not just fish they are pets

Welcome and please ask as many questions as needed to ensure you are successful

 

[TheClassyClown]

I am just curious, I tested the water parameters and the salinity, nitrates, and ammonia were in good parameters according to the lfs. I called them (one of the workers gave me his cell for nay questions) and he said that it should be fine. Do you think his advice was proper, or should I still try and take the fish back tomorrow?

Also thank you to everyone! I know I rushed in, all I can say is I wished that I had known about this forum BEFORE I had made this purchase. I look forward to joining the community

 

[SurfTrack]

I am just curious, I tested the water parameters and the salinity, nitrates, and ammonia were in good parameters according to the lfs. I called them (one of the workers gave me his cell for nay questions) and he said that it should be fine. Do you think his advice was proper, or should I still try and take the fish back tomorrow?

Also thank you to everyone! I know I rushed in, all I can say is I wished that I had known about this forum BEFORE I had made this purchase. I look forward to joining the community

What are your params exactly?

The problem is that there just is not enough bacteria in your tank to break down the waste in your tank. This will result in ammonia spikes.

There are two options.
1. Take the fish back, and cycle your tank normally (100% effective)
2. Keep the fish and try force the cycle. This can endanger everything in your tank though, and its not recommended.


And also welcome to reef2reef! This forum is so helpful and you will learn so much!

 

[Philipgonzales3]

Can you post a picture of the tank? You mentioned live rock, where did you get it from?

I would think if the house is 72 then the water temp may be OK. But maybe someone else would know better.

 

[Philipgonzales3]

Also I would just go to petco and get a heater for peace of mind. Make sure you don't change the temp too fast. Don't add hot water or anything as any sudden changes can be bad. Just throwing that out there.

 

[GabeM]

Yeah I would buy a heater - 75 gallons is large and will require 300W or so - pick up one ASAP locally. I don't imagine them lasting very long in these conditions - avoid heaters that are "preset". I bought mine from petco (Aqueon I think).

Your LFS staff advising you that it is fine to put the animals in an unprepared tank is a red flag and I would take anything they say with a grain of salt.

 

[Sod Buster]

How live are the "live" rocks? Did you keep them wet or at least damp before they went in your tank? That was a big animal dump at one time. Get a seachem ammonia badge in the morning and some bottled bacteria to help. I like fritz 900 for bacteria. Get 15 gallons of fresh mixed saltwater on standby for a water change tomorrow. If your rock was truly live, that bought you a day to make water. Don't stress the fish anymore chasing them all over the tank trying to catch them. When they are sleeping and lights out, use a flashlight and reach in & grab them. Welcome to r2r. Research the toxic levels of ammonia & nitrite and test. If toxic, 15 gallon water change.

 

[Tuan’s Reef]

Where did the water come from to fill your tank? If it’s tap, did you declorinate ? You should have seachem prime on hand as well as it will neutralize the ammonia .

Pretty sure all your inverts will die if left to their own devices . Your clowns may or may not survive while you cycle . Might even get sick as they are even more prone now.

Agree with all the above posts return all your inhabitants and wait out the cycling process with no fish or inverts . You can use pure amonnia and bottled bacteria to help speed up the process . Any less than waiting Will result in premature deaths