new clown fish

[clevan]

Thanks Mr X for the advice on "Living in color" store in Marlton, they took my tang and i got 2 small percula clowns for the tank. Next question, one of the clowns seems to be struggling, not as active, and is constantly opening/closing his mouth..stress? Plus both the fish stay in the corner and aren't investigating the tank. The current in the tank seems pretty strong, can it be too strong for the small fish?
Thanks

 

[Brian5000]

Is the less active fish eating? If so, then you're probably ok.

When my clownfish are scared, stressed, hurt or just sleeping, they huddle together and comfort each other. You just got them, right? Give them some time to figure out nothing is going to eat them. They'll eventually start exploring.

Strong current is ok as long as the fish can still swim in it. If your clowns are constantly being blown around the tank, scale the powerheads back a notch :wink:
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Stress Forum

 

[mr_X]

my percula used to love the strong current. he liked to ride the stream to one side of the tank, then swim back and do it all over again...all day and night :lol:
my maroon clown likes to stay in one spot most of the time.
how did/do you acclimate your livestock?

 

[IslandCrow]

If it looks like the clown is breathing heavily, that can be a sign of oxygen starvation. If your PH is OK, you probably don't have excess CO2 in the tank, but in my very limited experience, I've seen that as an early indication of Brooklynella, which often times attacks the gills. Keep a close eye on the fish for any discolored patches or white fuzzy or mucus looking areas on the fish. You'll usually see them around the head first. I don't mean to make you paranoid, but once brook takes hold, it's very difficult to treat. Just in case, you may want to get some Formalin. Some fish stores carry it, and you can get it at many online places such as Marine Depot. I think it has a pretty long shelf life, so it's not a bad thing to keep on hand anyway.

I really hope that's not it, and there are many other things it could be, to include basic stress, but it's always good to hope for the best and expect the worst. Here's some more info on Brooklynella. . .

http://saltaquarium.about.com/od/ichparasiticdiseases/a/aabrooklynella.htm

 

[IslandCrow]

Oh, also if you have them in an empty quarantine tank, you may want to throw in some objects (like 3" PVC joints) where they can hide. It will make them feel more secure while they get used to their new environment.

 

[clevan]

I aclimmated them by dripping water in the bag from the tank over a 2 hour period (taking water out at 1 hour). i just spoke with my wife who said the fish looks terrible and is sitting on the bottom of the tank, at times appearing dead...I guess he's not going to make it.
Thanks for the info

 

[mr_X]

ugh...sorry to hear that bro. does ILC have a health guarantee?

 

[clevan]

I don't think so, but I'll call
Thanks