New Tank

[JB1]

Just finishing up the cycle on a new 120 gallon saltwater tank. Just curious what the mortality rate is for fish in a new tank is, assuming it is pretty high? All fish purchased at a local (reputable) aquarium store.
Currently we have: two clown fish, a sailfin tang, damsel, pajama cardinal also have a good cuc of snails and hermit crabs. We lost a pajama cardinal fish (another one is doing fine), a goby and the filefish is not looking too good. Assume losing a couple fish during the process is normal?
Thanks!

 

[WIReefer]

How did you start the cycle? Did you add these fish all at once?

 

[TheWalkingCoral]

There are a ton of factors that can contribute to the death of the fish. Most of the experts around here are going to need your salinity & temperature, any factors such as how long has the tank been up, how long has it been cycling ammonia, how fast did you add the fish, what did you use to cycle it etc. They need as much information as you can give them to paint a picture.


When you say your tank is still cycling, are you talking about the complete cycle? Can it currently process ammonia?

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

Mortality rate of first fish in a new tank should be 100% zero. Mortality rate for first fish of a newbie's tank that is rushing things is very high.

 

[Billdogg]

Just finishing up the cycle on a new 120 gallon saltwater tank. Just curious what the mortality rate is for fish in a new tank is, assuming it is pretty high? All fish purchased at a local (reputable) aquarium store.
Currently we have: two clown fish, a sailfin tang, damsel, pajama cardinal also have a good cuc of snails and hermit crabs. We lost a pajama cardinal fish (another one is doing fine), a goby and the filefish is not looking too good. Assume losing a couple fish during the process is normal?
Thanks!

In addition to what the others have said - The clowns will fight with the damsel - they are from the same family and generally just don't get along well. Many Damsels get meaner as they grow, so even if they seem ok now, eventually you may very well have problems with them. The sailfin will outgrow your tank fairly quickly. Plan on rehoming it within a year or so. Personally, I'd return it and get a tang better suited to a 120 - anything from the bristletooth group will work well. I have a Tomini in my 120 who stays fat and happy cruising the reef looking for algae to pick on.

You need to slow down some. Be very diligent with your water changes to help things along, but you really shouldn't add anything else at all for at least a couple months.

 

[JB1]

How did you start the cycle? Did you add these fish all at once?

Cycle started in Feb, water tested and free of nitrites. Fish were introduced slowly; clowns first, then damsel, then sailfin tang-- any additions had a couple weeks between them.

 

[JB1]

In addition to what the others have said - The clowns will fight with the damsel - they are from the same family and generally just don't get along well. Many Damsels get meaner as they grow, so even if they seem ok now, eventually you may very well have problems with them. The sailfin will outgrow your tank fairly quickly. Plan on rehoming it within a year or so. Personally, I'd return it and get a tang better suited to a 120 - anything from the bristletooth group will work well. I have a Tomini in my 120 who stays fat and happy cruising the reef looking for algae to pick on.

You need to slow down some. Be very diligent with your water changes to help things along, but you really shouldn't add anything else at all for at least a couple months.

Thanks

 

[JB1]

Mortality rate of first fish in a new tank should be 100% zero. Mortality rate for first fish of a newbie's tank that is rushing things is very high.

Yes....