[idrum]

Have a 72 - 3 mos old - started it as a FOWLR - I stocked too much, too quick - had an outbreak of ich and tank wipeout.

After reading these boards, I decided to convert to reef. Left the tank alone for 3 weeks (no fish) and then added about 30lbs more of live rock and 2 fish (scotts fairy wrasse, royal gramma) - within 2 days, both had ich, within 2 weeks both were dead. There are no fish in there now (just critters, some mushrooms, polyps, feather dusters).

Question - how long should I wait before adding fish? I know ich needs a fish host and I've read of a 3 week life cycle.

My params seem ok - nitrates are on the high side, but I'm pulling the bio balls out and just re-adjusted my skimmer. Using RO/DI water.

Any thoughts - I want to do it right this time (and I'm sick of spending money and giving fish the death sentence)

BTW - my little 7g nano is thriving (xenia, brain, shrooms, candy cane, firefish, fire shrimp) - I thought the bigger tanks were supposed to be easier!!!

[Neal359]

i would let the tank stand for a month and then trying somthing like a damsel or a cool fish that is realy hardy is a fox face. last month Marine fish monthly cauled them the perfect fish. 1) reef safe 2) realy hardy 3)swimm out in the open 4) very colorfull 5) and very non agresive wont heras any one 6) they ship good and live long in captivity

[This message has been edited by Neal359 (edited 05-07-2001).]