[tommye87]

how do i tell if my tank has enough oxygen my clown is gasping for air and only staying at the top of my tanks he is new is this normal ?

[leebca]

Oxygen content of water is a function of many different parameters. That is to say, many things affect the oxygen content.

There is an oxygen test kit available, but I don't know if it works or not. I never used it. Perhaps you can look for one from one of the sponsors here on Reefland.

Things that reduce dissolved oxygen in salt water include some of the following:
1. Poor water circulation -- gas exchange occurs at the surface of the water, so the aquarium water circulation must 'disturb' the surface and mix it around;
2. Excess organics and bacteria in the water -- they need/use oxygen too;
3. The room the marine system is in doesn't have enough fresh air in it to be 'normal' air;
4. Overstocking the aquarium with marine life that needs oxygen; and
5. Tightly covering and closing off the marine system so the water doesn't efficiently exchange its gases with that of the room air.

Look towards all of the above and check for at least those.

It is not normal for a fish to breathe fast nor to remain near the water's surface, unless it is the nature of the fish. Anemonefish don't usually do this unless there is something amiss. The things that can go wrong include improper acclimation, poor handling, disease, injury, tank mates, etc. just to name a few.

[My2heartboys]

Lee, unless I totally miss my guess...it sounds like it could very well be our old friend ich. )

Tommy, look on the fish for specks that look like salt. Does the fish brush up against the rocks, hang out in the powerhead outflow? If so these are very indicative of ich.

Anne