Massive fail- utterly devastated

[JonPhillips]

Very unfortunate for all concerned...



You underestimate the brittle stars.

Sure they will take the diseased fish, but they are an ambush predator at heart.

Serpent stars are the same way.

But they are not the guilty parties here.

Guessing like everyone, but I would place the primary blame with ammonia.

If they lived long enough to suffocate - from the lack of O2 vs the lack of gills from the ammonia burning them - I would be surprised.

I hesitate a little bit to say this but, now would be an excellent time to pick up a good book or two and just spend time reading and let your tank ride.

I'd suggest "Conscientious Marine Aquarist" by Fenner and anything else you want.

True, true...

 

[deerhunter06]

I understand your point. Very therapeutic for me though. None of my neighbors keep saltwater fish. So, in my mind, it's always important to surround yourself with those that know what your going through...

Live and learn brother whenever I'm makin a long trip I always bring an airstone and heater you can buy the cigarette lighter adapter outlets for cheap to power them and a big bucket of water especially with large or multiple fish

 

[JonPhillips]

I'm so sorry about your fish. What a tough day.

Thank you.

 

[JonPhillips]

So sorry that sure would suck.

Yup. Thanks.

 

[JonPhillips]

That stinks.

Yes, thank you.

 

[JonPhillips]

It's ok. It's happened to all of us at some point. Take a deep breath and let yourself off the hook.

Thank you.

 

[nitro]

We have all been there in one way or another it makes us more aware of things the next time... Hang in there....
Nitro

 

[furam28]

Was open more a few min. ago...

That clam is dead. Does it close up when you touch it? If not, its dead. Thats what mine looked like when i got one that didnt make it in transit. Take it out and smell it. It will smell foul. If you leave it in your tank it can cause an ammonia spike and do more damage.

 

[Duke4Life]

Woke up this morning to find all fish made it threw the night and are happy in their new home! It's rewarding to see so much color swimming around the tank. The lemon peel has adopted himself into the group of yellow tangs. Lol. Who does he think he is?!?!?

Good news to hear!

 

[Duke4Life]

I understand your point. Very therapeutic for me though. None of my neighbors keep saltwater fish. So, in my mind, it's always important to surround yourself with those that know what your going through...

Gotta love these sites and I'm very thankful for them, even though I feel I can be a pest at times. My disc golfing buddies look at me like I'm crazy when I get 2 talking about this hobby, I especially enjoy when they haven't been over in a while and stop in because their reactions are priceless.

 

[tj w]

Jon, if I were in your shoes I would definitely keep an eye on all the fish in the tank that are still alive. Especially the tangs. I myself learned the hard way with velvet and ich. Good luck in your journey and keep asking questions and research. I spend the majority of my free time trying to learn as much info as I can to be a responsible hobbyist. Again, good luck.

 

[JonPhillips]

That clam is dead. Does it close up when you touch it? If not, its dead. Thats what mine looked like when i got one that didnt make it in transit. Take it out and smell it. It will smell foul. If you leave it in your tank it can cause an ammonia spike and do more damage.

It's opened up more now and appears to be breathing. Is that a good sign? Thank you!

 

[JonPhillips]

Gotta love these sites and I'm very thankful for them, even though I feel I can be a pest at times. My disc golfing buddies look at me like I'm crazy when I get 2 talking about this hobby, I especially enjoy when they haven't been over in a while and stop in because their reactions are priceless.

Yeah. I know what you mean. It's one of those things that if you get it, you get it, but if you don't, you don't...

 

[Macdaddynick1]

i vote on hydrogen sulfate or an ammonia spike, sorry to hear that Jon, happened to me back in the day too.

 

[morpheas]

It's opened up more now and appears to be breathing. Is that a good sign? Thank you!

The easiest test to do is to pass your hand over it shadowing it while it's open. A healthy clam will close in a blink of an eye. If he's not good he will be sluggish and of course if he doesn't move things are not so well...

 

[JonPhillips]

i vote on hydrogen sulfate or an ammonia spike, sorry to hear that Jon, happened to me back in the day too.

It's weird though, had two clowns tucked in another bucket filled with tank water only and lots of rock and they were the most content upon arrival...

 

[JonPhillips]

The easiest test to do is to pass your hand over it shadowing it while it's open. A healthy clam will close in a blink of an eye. If he's not good he will be sluggish and of course if he doesn't move things are not so well...

Got it. Will do!

 

[JonPhillips]

Happy shot! Everyone is eating and chilling. This is my new happy place. I watch less T.v. This is better! There must be some scientific data somewhere proving that watching a tank is good for the soul. Maybe not, but here is my anecdotal...

 

[jgvergo]

That is sad! Sorry for your losses. You obviously care a lot for the animals in your care so I'm sure it will be a rare (hopefully, one time) event. It reminds me that "only the paranoid survive". I find myself questioning every decision I face in the hobby and generally erring on the side of caution. Of course even then, there are no guarantees.

 

[morpheas]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquarium_therapy

Scientifically proven...