fustrated with fish dying

Catfish

You know what, I shouldn't even be posting here...I apologize. I've been here for a while but didn't realize that I haven't even posted before. I just came across as a know it all and I didn't mean to. Feel free to delete my posts if you like. I just happened to read through this thread and had had this exact same conversation with a couple of 'coral guys' the other day and so it was fresh on my mind. The topic on conversation was about how different the care for fish and corals were. Fish require such a different type of care than corals but, much to my surprise, most coral people are not aware of that because they have been caring for corals for so long. It was an interesting and enlightening conversation, to say the least.

So, sorry to drop in so abruptly...

Pasfur

Catfish...

I have to respectfully disagree with the simplicity of your statements. Obviously pH and salinity are highly important, but to ignore a conversation about Alkalinity and how Calcium impacts the stability of the marine environment is not justified. Without question, many water chemistry problems in established marine environments are directly impacted by these very tests. Both corals and fish will feel the impact of water chemistry changes.

Walky...

I agree with OF2F on the subject of quarantine. The fact that your LFS failed to mention the importance of using a quarantine tank for marine fish tells me that you can't rely on their advice.

I agree with Catfish on the subject of temperature. Temperature changes are way overstated as a form of stress. Most home aquariums have temperature fluctuations daily, even with a heater. It is a poor diagnosis and rather silly guess on the part of your LFS that temperature is the cause of these livestock deaths.

Catfish.... welcome to the forum. We can always use another experienced opinion.

onefish2fish

please dont apologize and dont get scared away. everyone is entitled to their opinion and that includes you. many opinions is a good thing and only expands the way others think to chime in. please dont be discouraged because someone agrees/disagrees with what you state, actually a friendly disagreement is good as it opens new doors and new ideas. you made valid points in your few posts that you have made so im looking foward to seeing you around, and welcome to the forum.

Kellsindell

I don't agree with this onefish...

i kid i kid, this is very true and welcome to the forum! Will you post a thread of your tank and exp by any chance Catfish?

walkytalky

All good points. Including the temp.
so what is the bottom line? Since, the first 4 fish that I introduced to the tank 3 months ago are still alive, which are 2 clowns and a yellow blenny and my cleaner shrimp and I introduced them the same way as a did to the ones that died.

Pasfur

The clownfish and the yellow blenny are extremely durable fish. The newest additions are much more typical of marine species, not being tolerant at all of water chemistry changes.

I say get the Alkalinity issues under control and then lets talk about your future live stock desires.

walkytalky

Sounds good to me. thanks for all your help and patiences.

walkytalky

I just found out what one of the things I did wrong. And that is add hard salt to my pail of water. (the salt wasn't in loose form) :loco:

Pasfur

If the salt was hard, then it probably was no longer effective in buffering pH.

I say this based on a personal phone conversation I had with Aquarium Pharmaceuticals.

walkytalky

And you are absolutely right.
I never knew this. This just shows how much I know about chemistry. :(