[kickmeqt]

Okay, so I've had my tank a good 2 months now and after a week or so after I had set up the tank, [i tested the water and it looked good] so I added 2 clown fish in. They did absolutely great and just last week, I performed a 25% water change so I could get new water in and I did everything I was instructed to.

Few days later I tested out the salinity and all the pH levels, the nitrates, ect...and they were great! No complaints and my fish seemed happier than ever.

Okay, so that was about 9 days ago and friday I introduced an emerald crab to the tank to fight off some of the bubble algae in the tank and he adapted quite nicely. The fish didn't bother him but they took note after is acclimation that he was indeed present.

Anyways, the past 2-3 days now, my clown fish have seemed very un-intrested in food and have been kinda, mopey to describe in the best words.

All the chemical levels are great except that I noted the nitrites went up slightly, but under the tester strips it still said that it was 'okay' but not 'favorable'.

I do feed the fish a pinch 2-3 times a day, very well spaced out. There isn't any ick on them and nothing out of the ordinary except their moody behavior, and the slight elevation of the nitrites in the tank. I added some "Prime" to the water because it stated on the bottle if there were any odd levels of Nitrite or Nitrates in the water after a water change to add some directly to the tank and let the filter do the rest that it should bring balance back to the water. After a few hours I noted the fish did indeed start swimming around more but kinda went back to their little haven next to the live rock in the tank where they normally 'sleep' by after the lights go out. They also will pick at food on the bottom of the tank from time to time, too.


Okay, after all of that I have concluded of the following:

I need a new filter...as I have rinsed it 3-4 times and haven't replaced it yet after the first 2 months.

I'm over feeding the fish?

Or, they are unhappy with the crab on their rock.

Does this sound like it could be one of the following or do I need to run out and get more supplies to do a water change again [yay, especially since I'm at 9 months pregnant right now, lol belly in the way] or should I wait a few days without feeding them to see what's up? I'm planning on getting a new filter this weekend with payday on friday, but I need opinions because I'm pretty attached to these little guys

Thanks SO much in advanced.

~Megan

[leebca]

Megan,

Your post was well presented and informative. There is still some missing information and from what was written, I am making some assumptions which may or may not be true. I would make the following observations before I suggest actions:

1. You are using test strips instead of actual chemical test kits. Not good. You need to be testing the water with test kits that involve chemicals and color matching for the best results. See if your LFS has some Salifert Test Kits for Ammonia, Nitrites, Phosphate, Alkalinity, Magnesium, and Calcium you can buy AND use. How are you measuring the pH? Test kits are made for that, but they are pretty unreliable. A portable pH meter would be the best, but maybe something you don't want to invest in at this time (about $60).

2. You are not overfeeding. A pinch sound like flake food. Flake and pellet food are on the low end of the quality scale for marine fish foods.

3. You don't mention feeding the fish algae. They are omnivores.

4. You don't mention putting supplements into their foods (vitamins, fats, etc.).

5. The tank is not mature enough.

6. You don't mention your source water (what water you use to make up your salt water).

7. Filtration is okay.

8. The fish probably don't care about the crab, unless the fish are a mated pair.

Suggestions.
Do a bunch of reading. Here are things to look into:
Setting Up a FOWLR Aquarium
What is Water Quality
WATER - Source and NSW
Feeding Marine Fish and Fish Nutrition

I know. . .A lot of reading. But you'll find it says a lot about your progress. Most LFSs give advice to 'hurry the process.' But the best marine systems are the ones that come along slowly.

I'd say your fish are reacting to less-than-good water quality. That may seem wrong to you since you are convinced your tests show good water quality. But, the strips are not reliable enough in this case; marine life is being adding too fast to a young system; and the bio-load is stressing the bacteria. The net result is lower water quality. You also need to be testing for other things than those you mentioned. (See above and in the referenced posts). There are also water quality matters we don't test for that you should be aware of, that sneak into your system. That water quality post is referenced above.

For now, do a large water change of over 50% following these guidelines: How to Make a Successful Water Change

Stop adding marine life to your system. Let things get old.

Look for sources of pollution, poisons and other sneaking problems.

Get the water tested by proper test kits for ALL the parameters.

Get the fish the right foods.

Use vitamin and fat supplements in the foods.

If you need further help, post all test results BOTH before and AFTER the water change and include the following:
pH
Ammonia
Nitrites
Specific Gravity
Temperature
Alkalinity
Calcium
Magnesium

Add to the above phosphate test IF you see brown stuff or other nuisance micro life around. With bubble algae, I'd like to know Phosphates and Nitrates, but they are not the top priority right now.

Hope this helps.

[Damsel13]

great answer Lee, I needed to hear that information again myself!