copper yesterday found fish laying on bottom

[Falconer298]

Quick details
2 new Mocha Storm Clownfish added to fresh filled 40gal QT 3 days ago. Were very active and feeding. Has a Trident 75 HOB filter that creates quite a bit of surface disruption, added matrix media that been in my DT for a couple weeks. Water vol is 38 gallons and did first dose of cupramine at 3.61ml (1ml per 10.5 US Gal) Salifert copper test shows 0.25 as expected.

12hrs later it’s morning time I come in and have two fish laying on their sides not moving much. Didn’t seem to be breathing hard They have since perked up appear normal. Will they rest on the bottom at night? Scared me, thought I killed our new babies everyone has quickly grown attached to! Can it be too dark in the QT? Zero light at all at nighttime.

I’m doing a 10% water change, on a 40gal could ammonia climb quick with two little clown fish and a little feed?

Should I keep the copper dose up in the water change and not fear that was the issue?

Thank you in advance, was a scary way to start my day and I’m new to quarantine!

 

[BigAquaBob]

That's how my clownfish slept. I wouldn't worry if they act fine once they are awake.

 

[Falconer298]

That's how my clownfish slept. I wouldn't worry if they act fine once they are awake.

Thank you, they are acting totally fine now, just scared me. I’ve never dealt with adding copper to water and quarantine, it’s a new roller coaster for me!

 

[WIReefer]

Was there ammonia present?

 

[Falconer298]

For what it’s worth my Red Sea Ammonia test reads 0 still with the 0.25 cupramine in the water. Think I just panicked over resting fish! The first 5 min of lights being on they looked like they were in a death stage.

 

[WIReefer]

For what it’s worth my Red Sea Ammonia test reads 0 still with the 0.25 cupramine in the water. Think I just panicked over resting fish! The first 5 min of lights being on they looked like they were in a death stage.

I’m glad they are doing good now!

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Thank you, they are acting totally fine now, just scared me. I’ve never dealt with adding copper to water and quarantine, it’s a new roller coaster for me!

You should get your copper up to full dose today. Remember to never add ammonia remover while dosing Cupramine, and it will add some trace ammonia to the water, you should test your ammonia daily during this time, just to be safe.
Jay

 

[Falconer298]

Was there ammonia present?

I’m glad they are doing good now!

I took media that was in my cycled display and it was up and running in the QT for a few days, no true cycle to speak of.