Clowns acting weird. Help?

[skrimpwhisperer]

So as I stated in another thread I added my last two fish for my 20 gallon tall FOWLR tank. One of the clowns had been acting odd since before yesterday and now they are both doing the same thing. The tank has two percula clowns one purple firefish a watchmen goby and a small flasher wrasse. There are also inverts in the tank.

Both clowns look healthy and are well fed and do eat. But both are now swimming vigorously at the bottom of the tank breathing a lot. One is up front in the middle and the other is in the back left corner. They were a mated pair when I got them. Earlier today I noticed a long thin string like piece of mucus on the right pectoral fin of the clown in the back.
My parameters are in line and I just did a water change yesterday.

Does anyone have any ideas?

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[NanaReefer]

What is your ammonia reading? Even after a water change, I would test it.

 

[skrimpwhisperer]

Ammonia is zero.

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[skrimpwhisperer]

Lost one clown this morning. The other doesn't look far behind.

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[ZoaCollector]

Sounds like internal infection. Hard to help this once it takes hold. Possibly due to parasites or bacteria problems.

Furazone is known to treat secondary bacteria infections. But you need to do this in a quarantine tank and not the main display.

 

[skrimpwhisperer]

Its frustrating. This is the second pair of clowns I've lost and the conditions are perfect. I think I'm just going to have to steer clear of them from now on. Even though I love them.

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[mike007]

Its probaly not the clowns it is more likely your water conditions. With a small volume of water even slight changes in chemistry are magnified. nitrate. ammonia spikes etc. will kill fish. You need good water movement ,filteration,and only a few small fish for that size tank. Be carefull and only feed a little at a time. Overfeeding is one of the main reasons people have problems with there tanks.

 

[skrimpwhisperer]

Its probaly not the clowns it is more likely your water conditions. With a small volume of water even slight changes in chemistry are magnified. nitrate. ammonia spikes etc. will kill fish. You need good water movement ,filteration,and only a few small fish for that size tank. Be carefull and only feed a little at a time. Overfeeding is one of the main reasons people have problems with there tanks.

I tested all of my parameters last night and they were all good. My powerhead is giving good circulation and surface disturbance. I clean my filters every four days. So I guess I'll try cutting back on the feeding but I only feed every other day.


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[fragmatic]

Do you mind reminding us just what tests your did and the results? Clowns are very hearty.

 

[skrimpwhisperer]

I did ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, and the last one was ph for the hell of it. I do my water changes on Saturdays.

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[fragmatic]

Would you consider having an LFS test for KH (alkaliity) and Cu (copper)? And while you are there, have them double check your NH3/NH4 (ammonia).

You are using RODI water for those changes?

And last, what is your salinity? ...what are you testing salinity with? Let the LFS double check that too, please.

on a different train,..... as far as live stock source.....What kind of LFS do you use (bought your clowns), is it a chain pet store? .. or is is a reef store?

....................With these answers we can start to nail this down.

 

[fragmatic]

since you are using your droid.. please reload as I edited my last post a couple of times.

 

[fragmatic]

I doubt it is the feedings,
.. when you clean that filter do you make sure not to let the disturbed garbage leak into the system water?

 

[skrimpwhisperer]

Would you consider having an LFS test for KH (alkaliity) and Cu (copper)? And while you are there, have them double check your NH3/NH4 (ammonia).

You are using RODI water for those changes?

And last, what is your salinity? ...what are you testing salinity with? Let the LFS double check that too, please.

on a different train,..... as far as live stock source.....What kind of LFS do you use (bought your clowns), is it a chain pet store? .. or is is a reef store?

....................With these answers we can start to nail this down.

I was thinking about having them test my water, probably going to work on that today. I'm just working right now. I use the RO/DI for top offs and using the LFS saltwater for the changes. My salinity is a hair low at 1.023 but I do not have a refractometer (sp?) And am using a hydrometer.

The LFS I use is a privately owned operation that has been open for two years and ran by two young guys (my age). Its strictly a saltwater reef/fish store.

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[fragmatic]

..also.. I am not recalling or remembering which are your previous postings.. I don't think... so remind me what size this tank is.
..I'd like to suggest you work towards getting away from the filter and towards plenty of live rock and a skimmer of some kind.
This can work and we will get there.. relax.
Start to add live rock (if you don't have any or much) as you can for now. The "magic is in that old black hat" and a skimmer. The old black hat is the live rock and all the hidden wonders inside.

 

[fragmatic]

I was thinking about having them test my water, probably going to work on that today. I'm just working right now. I use the RO/DI for top offs and using the LFS saltwater for the changes. My salinity is a hair low at 1.023 but I do not have a refractometer (sp?) And am using a hydrometer.

The LFS I use is a privately owned operation that has been open for two years and ran by two young guys (my age). Its strictly a saltwater reef/fish store.

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Good! I think your salt may be lower than you think.. I dauh know.. and lets do those tests... OK?

 

[fragmatic]

What method do you use to introduce your clowns?

....oh.. sorry.. this tank IS cycled isn't it?????

 

[fragmatic]

Would you be willing to post a picture of your tank, as is? Please..? When you can..

 

[skrimpwhisperer]

..also.. I am not recalling or remembering which are your previous postings.. I don't think... so remind me what size this tank is.
..I'd like to suggest you work towards getting away from the filter and towards plenty of live rock and a skimmer of some kind.
This can work and we will get there.. relax.
Start to add live rock (if you don't have any or much) as you can for now. The "magic is in that old black hat" and a skimmer. The old black hat is the live rock and all the hidden wonders inside.

The tank is a 20 gallon tall. Started as a live rock only tank with no filters just a powerhead. Added a HOB filter to help with filtration.

I'll add more live rock as I can. I have about 20-25 pounds in it right now.

I'll have my lfs check my water as well when I get off around 11 am.

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[skrimpwhisperer]

When I get home I will post a pic

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