New tank clown fish problem

Discussion in 'ASAP' started by dsa777, Dec 27, 2008.

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  1. dsa777

    dsa777 Plankton

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    Hi, I'm very new to marine tank keeping having kept tropicals for about 3 years or so.
    I've set up a 60l biorb using a marine conversion kit, three weeks in added 2 shrimps and 3 small hermit crabs. Another 3 weeks later I added 2 clown fish. Two weeks after one of the clown fish after a small water change started swimming vertically and then died.
    I waited 2 weeks during which everything seemed fine and added a yellow tang. Thats been on there a week just over and checking the water the Nitrite levels seemed to have spiked, Ammonia levels are fine, now today I've noticed the clown fish has a dark patch on the chin/ bottom lip and is very lathargic. I know I'm probably making loads of mistakes here but I do want to give this a go before I run back to my comfort zone.
    Any help would be appreciated.
    Thanks
     
    Last edited: Dec 30, 2008
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  3. Bogie

    Bogie Snowflake Eel

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    What type of filtration systems are you using? Live rock (lbs?), protein skimmer, water movement pumps/powerheads, canister filter/carbon?
     
  4. longballz84

    longballz84 Spaghetti Worm

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    what are your nititrite and nitrate levels?
     
  5. jakeh24

    jakeh24 Pajama Cardinal

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    if its the bio orb I'm thinking of then you are probably over stocked
    a yellow tang wont work for a bio orb they need a lot of swimming space

    also I'm not sure but you might have stocked the tank a little to fast

    I would say for a bio orb maybe 1 clown
    just my thoughts
     
  6. LCP136

    LCP136 Sailfin Tang

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    For a bio orb I would go with a pair of Ocellaris Clownfish, a Damsel of some sort, a pair of FireFish, or a Basslet of some sort, but no tang. You need at least a 75 gallon for even the smallest Tang. Everyone makes mistakes at the beginning, and your doing a good job from how it sounds. Keep it up and good luck.
     
  7. dsa777

    dsa777 Plankton

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    Thanks very much for the replies, the only filtration I'm using is the biorb set up with the fake rock and bacteria supplied. I think looking back the Tang was a big mistake and I'm probably going to regret it. The levels now after a 20% water change day before yesterday seem better- Nitrate is 2.5ppm nitrite is between .05 and .1ppm and ammonia is about 0.1 ppm. the Clown fish has what I can best descibe an extended looking bottom lip almost split looking with a darker tone to it. I know if I want to take this on to a decent level the tank is going to have to go but I do like the look of the bigger biorb.
     
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  9. Froc3

    Froc3 Fire Goby

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    I would pull the tang out and take him back - bioload is too much for a tank that size IMO. 20% is quite a bit. I would stick to 10% for now and make sure your parameters (Such as temperature and salinity especially) are the same between your tank water and the new water before adding. Hope this helps and GL with the tank!
     
  10. dsa777

    dsa777 Plankton

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    pic of clown fish

    Can anyone tell me what the disease is the clown fish has? Assuming it is a disease.
    Most importantly should I take the fish out now?
    Would appreciate any info..
     

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  11. infamous

    infamous Corkscrew Tentacle Anemone

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    Your tank is 15 gallons?

    Where do you get your water from? RO/DI? Tap?

    What do you use to control temperature? What is your temperature?

    What is your salinity?

    What is your pH?

    I think your best bet is to start over. Or get rid of all the fish for now. I think you jumped into this a little too fast with a tank thats way to small.
     
  12. missionsix

    missionsix Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Maybe you could explain a little better.

    I'd say not to give up 77.......... I don't have an ID for your fish's lip. However, in order to get a better understanding of where your tank is in comparison to your knowledge try and fill out as much info below as possible. It'll help us get you back on track.


    Brief description of the problem.
    A picture(s) will also help.
    PARAMETERS (important)
    Temperature:
    PH:
    Ammonia:
    Nitrite:
    Nitrate:
    Salinity:
    dKH/KH/Alkalinity:
    Magnesium:
    Calcium:
    Phosphate:

    Tank size?
    Estimated total system?


    Reef, fish only or, freshwater?

    Current inhabitants? What and how many?
    Clean up crew?


    How long has your tank been set-up?

    Substrate.
    Type?
    Depth?

    Live rock?
    How much?
    Did you recently add some?

    Filtration.
    Type?
    Protein skimmer?
    Do you wet or dry skim?
    Maintenance schedule for filtration?
    Drilled tank/hang on back overflow?
    Sump/refugium. What's in it and how much?
    Macro? What kind?

    Lighting.
    Lighting type?
    Age of bulbs?

    Feeding
    What?
    How much?
    How often?

    Water change schedule.
    How much?
    How often?
    What salt brand?
    Water source?

    Additives/supplements used?

    Do you have a ground probe?
    What kind of flow does your tank have?

    Any additional info you would like to share.... Including anything different that you have done/not done.