New to saltwater/fish question

[Pred43]

Hello, thank you for the help. I am new to saltwater, 40 gallon Nuvo Mini 40. I had someone come out and set it up and he brought his water that was already made. I have a nitrate test kit, all is well. I have strips(I know they aren’t the best) and all of that looks good except it says it’s the highest for general hardness(but I think that is ok?) my saltwater reader is in range.

Because I am new I want to make sure I understand the behaviors of the fish and not worry when not needed. I put 2 clownfish and dottyback in the tank 3 days ago. The dirty has always hidden, but the clowns have always been all over the place. Today they seem not as wild, as they both are just sorta staying in the same place together. They are active but just not loving around like they were. Is that normal? As best I can tell my water is doing well, but just wanted to see if maybe I was missing something. I’m adding 2 more fish today. Thank you

 

[stanleo]

That could be normal but I would watch them for a while.

How did you cycle this tank? What are the actual numbers of your parameters? If you are using the API test strips they will say GH is high in saltwater. Saying test strips aren't the best is a gross understatement. May I suggest getting a better testing kit. At the minimum API Reef Masterkit. Not really good either but they will give you a better idea of what is going on. Ideally something like Red Sea or Salifert. I use Red Sea for alkalinity, magnesium and calcium, Salifert for phosphate and nitrate and API only for pH. Total cost $60. What are your nitrates at? That will tell us if it is cycled yet or not.

The reason I ask what the actual numbers are is just saying they are all good doesn't really tell people what they need to know to be able to advise you.

I would wait to add the fish until you know what is actually going on in the tank. Regardless of that, waiting 3 days between adding fish and adding more fish doesn't give the bacteria enough time to handle the increase in bioload. If you add more fish now, you are asking for an ammonia spike which could kill your fish. At least wait two weeks but ideally a month. Patience is everything in this hobby.

Hope this helps and good luck!

 

[SPR1968]

I have a pair of clown fish who have been in my S650 for around 4 years.

They have a fairly large home but rarely venture out of the left hand corner, but if they like it there, which they clearly do, what do I know.

You don’t say what your actual water parameters are, and you will need to get good test kits and a refractometer to maintain stable salinity, which you may have. The following is an excellent guide for you

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/

And welcome to R2R as well!

 

[Pred43]

Thank you very much, I will get those test kits

I was told it was ok to add these fish now, so I’m kinda stuck. Since I’ve made the mistake what can I do to reduce the ammonia spike? Any conditioners or supplements I can add?

 

[ScottR]

Thank you very much, I will get those test kits

I was told it was ok to add these fish now, so I’m kinda stuck. Since I’ve made the mistake what can I do to reduce the ammonia spike? Any conditioners or supplements I can add?

Without knowing your exact parameters, I wouldn’t change or add anything. I’d get perhaps ammonia and nitrite test kits first. Have you added any bacteria to your tank? Adding just water from someone isn’t a cycle. Do you have rocks in the tank? Pics of your setup? There are many questions to get to the bottom of this to help your fish. Also, dottybacks are quite aggressive and that could be playing a role. Have you seen aggression?

 

[Pred43]

Without knowing your exact parameters, I wouldn’t change or add anything. I’d get perhaps ammonia and nitrite test kits first. Have you added any bacteria to your tank? Adding just water from someone isn’t a cycle. Do you have rocks in the tank? Pics of your setup? There are many questions to get to the bottom of this to help your fish. Also, dottybacks are quite aggressive and that could be playing a role. Have you seen aggression?

Hello, I’ve got a nitrate kit but not ammonia I’ll get one today. I’ve added bacteria the day before I got fish and day after. I have little bacteria balls as well. I do have rock in tank(can provide pics later)

The Clowns are actually seeming to be acting fine now. They are eating and moving around, just kinda sticking together. Maybe first couple of days they were exploring.

The dottyback is very shy and calm. Hides in the rocks mainly but when comes out is not aggressive. Just added 2 hawk fish and a shrimp and everything seems fine.....but I need to get testing kits and will add anything else anyone thinks I need?

 

[arturoo1977]

The best "supplement" you could add in case of emergency is a water change.
If your tank is not already cycle and you have an ammonia spike, you should be able to do 30% to 50% water change.
Test kit is a must.
Until you be able to test water, no feeding fish will help to reduce organics in water.

 

[Jesterrace]

A good cost effective way to go, would be to get the Red Sea Marine Care Test Kit as it will get many of those tests in one kit (including the 3 crucial ones to start ie Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate):

 

[Pred43]

A good cost effective way to go, would be to get the Red Sea Marine Care Test Kit as it will get many of those tests in one kit (including the 3 crucial ones to start ie Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate):

I’ll get that ordered, but can’t arrive till wed. I’ll get but also see if petco has anything I can use short term

 

[arturoo1977]

You should be able to get a test kit with a LFS. Ammonia and Nitrite are your priorities. API has a saltwater test kit very affordable.

 

[Pred43]

You should be able to get a test kit with a LFS. Ammonia and Nitrite are your priorities. API has a saltwater test kit very affordable.

Ok will do today. I have nitrate, will get others.

Let’s say I do have an amp is spike, what can I do if that happens? Anything I could get to add etc to help?

 

[arturoo1977]

Water change, its all about concentration levels. If your tank is 40gal, you should have a 20gal batch ready, in case needed. And if you use that batch just prepare a new one and get it ready.
If you dont have any ammonia or nitrites issue, then you will have water ready for a couple of regular water changes.
And dont worry, all this learning is part of this amazing hobbie.
Happy reefing!

 

[Pred43]

Water change, its all about concentration levels. If your tank is 40gal, you should have a 20gal batch ready, in case needed. And if you use that batch just prepare a new one and get it ready.
If you dont have any ammonia or nitrites issue, then you will have water ready for a couple of regular water changes.
And dont worry, all this learning is part of this amazing hobbie.
Happy reefing!

Ah that makes sense. I have 5 gallons in hand now(just bought the Imagitarium Pacific Ocean Water from Petco. Is that ok? I have a bag of instant ocean salts but figured I’d screw that up and this seems easier. I can go get more of course