Meet Kevin!

Netotek · Jun 4, 2023

I went out today and got my first saltwater fish ever. I've named him Kevin after the big blue bird in the movie "Up".

I have the lights off to help him get used to his surroundings. So far it looks like he likes that corner and swimming in the flow.

So what now? I feel like I'm supposed to be doing something.
- I keep and eye on him and feed him a small amount 2x a day.
- Then I test every day for a couple weeks. I have the following tests; Nitrate, Nitrite, pH, Ammonia, Salinity. Is there another test I need to be doing daily?
- It's a 13.5G tank, I have 5G of RO/DI water ready for top-off and 5G of prepped saltwater for upcoming water changes. Both buckets have lids on them, I assume that the water wont go bad?

*sidenote - taking a picture is hard, I have to read all the articles on it.

Lemons · Jun 4, 2023

Hi kevin!

I'm assuming your usin him to cycle the tank?? If anything watch for labored breathing or gasping at the surface! That could mean ammonia is gettin high

And as for water R.O will be good! Depending on brand of salt your premixed stuff could percipitate out in a few days to a week. I always just mix on the day im gonna do my wc

Netotek · Jun 4, 2023

Lemons said:
Hi kevin!

I'm assuming your usin him to cycle the tank?? If anything watch for labored breathing or gasping at the surface! That could mean ammonia is gettin high

And as for water R.O will be good! Depending on brand of salt your premixed stuff could percipitate out in a few days to a week. I always just mix on the day im gonna do my wc

Tank was cycled before Kevin came in. Took almost a little over three weeks. I did a fishless cycle with MicroBacter products, tested regularly, once both NH3 and No2 zero'd out, I did a 50% water change. After everything had settled, I tested again and found the salinity at 1.028 but I had doubts on the accuracy. So I went out and got the Hanna salinity checker and found it was actually 1.023 (calibrated the unit twice to make sure). Anyway, Fixed the salinity and waited 8hours and tested again. Everything checked out so I went out and got Kevin from my LFS.

Lemons · Jun 4, 2023

Netotek said:
Tank was cycled before Kevin came in. Took almost a little over three weeks. I did a fishless cycle with MicroBacter products, tested regularly, once both NH3 and No2 zero'd out, I did a 50% water change. After everything had settled, I tested again and found the salinity at 1.028 but I had doubts on the accuracy. So I went out and got the Hanna salinity checker and found it was actually 1.023 (calibrated the unit twice to make sure). Anyway, Fixed the salinity and waited 8hours and tested again. Everything checked out so I went out and got Kevin from my LFS.

Yep sounds like kev is in a good home! Just remember to top off with R.O water and enjoy the hobby!!! Welcome to the fun!

Cichlid Dad · Jun 4, 2023

Great start!

Propane · Jun 4, 2023

Nice scape for Kevin.

To(meany)Tang · Jun 4, 2023

Welcome Kevin! I had a clown as my first fish as well except he was naked lol. Tank looking good. For fish only you have the right tests. Your just missing the English test. Those guys talk behind my back i know it. So its best to teach them english as well. I'm not 100% sure on the prepped saltwater. I believe it best to have circulation and not stagnant depending how many days you'll be leaving it aside.