Dead fish....help

[karenvas2]

I found my kole tang dead yesterday. The day before he was happy, healthy and swimming around. It's the third fish I have lost in three months. No fourth. First was coral beauty, sixline, yellow tang, and now kole. Have no idea why. Did a water change yesterday after testing water. Everything test okay except ammonia was .25 and calcium was 520. Did a water change of 12 gallons on my 55. My partner called me a " a fish killer" which I feel like I am. All fish were recent addition to the tank which has a maroon clown, a lawnmower blenny, and green Chromis. By the way, anyone want a maroon clown (lol). Suggestions on some really hardy fish, I guess those are what I need. I wanted to go with wrasses, love their look, but not if they are going to die off.

 

[glb]

I'd try to find the source of ammonia ASAP. If your older fish are ok and the newer ones perished, it could be that your tank is out of whack and the older fish gradually adjusted to it and the newer ones were shocked. I'm sorry about your fishes.


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12g Nanoreef. Zooanthids, Ricordia, Star Polyps, Acans and two clownfish. CF Lighting, 75% actinic blue, 25% 10,000k white.

 

[Reefing Madness]

I agree. Ya gotta find out where that high level of ammonia is coming from, fish don't tend to like that stuff very much.
The fish that you stated did die on you, are hardy fish, but the weakest die first when something happens.

 

[kashbrook]

How long has your tank been running? I ask because sometimes just changing a little water will prolong the nitrogen cycle if it has never completed. If something hid and died in your tank or if you overfeed your fish then you will have a continuous ammonia spike.

 

[jasonrodreef]

What all above said sorry for loss..

 

[eliramos]

How long has your tank been running? I ask because sometimes just changing a little water will prolong the nitrogen cycle if it has never completed. If something hid and died in your tank or if you overfeed your fish then you will have a continuous ammonia spike.

If the nitrogen cycle hasn't completed yet but there are fish and corals in it how can you allow it to complete without The fluctuation in chemicals wiping out everything?


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[Reefing Madness]

Stayin on top of Water Changes. This will extend the cycle, but eventually it will complete.

 

[glb]

I've used Seachem Prime to neutralize ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. Double check that it's ok for corals. It will detoxify everything without stopping the cycle and will protect your fish. Again, double check about corals before you use it. Also keep in mind that your nitrates will continue to read high. It doesn't remove them. It just converts them to something nontoxic.


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12g Nanoreef. Zooanthids, Ricordia, Star Polyps, Acans and two clownfish. CF Lighting, 75% actinic blue, 25% 10,000k white.

 

[eliramos]

Thanks guys
I've always had perfect nitrates and nitrites but ammonia is always up so I neutralize it with amquel and water changes frequently. Trying to go a little longer between water changes so it will stabilize,I started adding micrbobacteria also. This is what you get when you don't take your time-.-



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[glb]

If you have no nitrites or nitrates but ammonia that's a problem. It sounds like the tank needs to fully cycle. The nitrates should be what's constantly in the tank. Ammonia should always be zero. I'd try adding some beneficial bacteria to jump start the process.


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12g Nanoreef. Zooanthids, Ricordia, Star Polyps, Acans and two clownfish. CF Lighting, 75% actinic blue, 25% 10,000k white.

 

[glb]

No worries! We all have struggled when we're getting started!


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12g Nanoreef. Zooanthids, Ricordia, Star Polyps, Acans and two clownfish. CF Lighting, 75% actinic blue, 25% 10,000k white.

 

[Liquid360]

To speed cycling I've always found it helpful to purchase "used" rock. As unseemly as it is you really need a livestock free tank for near a month.
It ain't pretty but you'll keep the fishicide to a minimum.

 

[glb]

I totally agree. We all want to rush, but waiting is really worth it.


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12g Nanoreef. Zooanthids, Ricordia, Star Polyps, Acans and two clownfish. CF Lighting, 75% actinic blue, 25% 10,000k white.