Help I've just lost almost all of my fish

[loonz]

BCReefer,
Besides what everyone has said above, I would recommend that your nitrite levels be undetectable before you introduce any fish to your tank.Good luck next time!

 

[Mouse]

[ October 09, 2001: Message edited by: Mouse ]

 

[kipreefer]

One techniqe I use is not to go to the lfs with any money because that is hwen you make decisions on a whim and hurt yourself. It is best to come in with nothing and see what you want think about it on the way to the bank. Its even better to go on sunday becasue the bank isnt open and then you have a whole night to think about it. Just trying to help. DOnt get discouraged yet keep plugging away it will work out.

 

[BCReefer]

Thought I would give a quick update on what I have done since I originally wrote this up. I have ordered 3 books recommended by you people. They should be here any day. I am attending the local Reef Club meeting this weekend to learn as much as I can.

I intend to start over but learn from my mistakes. I still visit this site everyday and read what people are saying. This is a very informative site and I appreciate all the negative and positive criticism. I am a big man and I can take it.

I look forward to sending an update in the next 6 months showing a live and healthy marine reef aquarium.

 

[dragon0121]

BCReefer,
I would like to compliment you on your attitude and willingness to learn, as exhibited in this post! Two thumbs up!

[ October 12, 2001: Message edited by: dragon0121 ]

 

[esmithiii]

BC- Hang in there. This is a very rewarding hobby. Personally, I think your salinity is low, but that probably doesn't account for the deaths. I would suggest a skimmer as it is a good safety net (I run one on my 180 that has 270 lbs of liverock!) and I think that most people on this board run one inspite of the "skimmerless" hype. What is interesting is your nitrite level. That should read 0 for sure. If the nitrate cycle is complete, ammonia is converted to nitrite which is then converted to nitrate. In an established tank, ammonia and nitrites should read zero.

I would also suggest getting a sand bed. They have done wonders for my tanks. Do alot of research on skimmers before you buy. There is alot of junk out there.

Continue with the water changes and your maroon clown may make it. They are quite hearty. Please realize that you are not alone. I killed a few fish myself, and have made many mistakes.

Let us know how things go, and we will be willing to help with any other questions, especially about skimmers!

One more thing- don't take the posts here too seriously. Many people on this board feel compelled to flaunt their "knowledge" in a way that is sometimes demeaning. I know I have been guilty of that once or twice myself.

Good luck.

E

 

[cat23]

Poor Guy...(and fish!)
Good Luck! Happy reading!

 

[todd22]

I think just about all the advice I would have said has been given. I too have had my fair share of mistakes and have learned from all (most) of them, but I would like to emphasize the importance of a skimmer for a new reef. I have been involved in a reef tank for nearly a year now and I think I would have lost my entire livestock by now if it wasnt for my skimmer. The skimmerless option should be handled by merely the experienced ones, and I still consider myself quite a rookie. I just wish I found this message board much earlier!