[dfurbee]

I purchased a lawnmower blenny, the only fish for the tank (as of yet); he was alive for only 3 days! My parameters were good before the fish was added. I re-checked them this morning pH= 8.0 (need to raise)
ammonia= 0
nitrite = 0
nitrate = 0
phos. = 0
SG = 1.022
So what is going on?? This is the second time my fish have perished. I waited about 6 weeks after the fish died, to make sure the water was OK. Please any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Deb

[Six-line Wrasse]

What type of fish? What size tank? Are you using a hydrometer? Last, what is your acclimation method?

[dfurbee]

The first fish purchase was 3 green chromis, they all died. the second was the blenny. I have a 55gal. AGA, with 60# LS, 50# LR, PH's that pump 1200 GPH. HOB filter, and skimmer. I drip acclimated fish for 2 hours. Thanks,Deb

[jimw369]

Sorry to hear about the fish.

Just a long shot but how are you testing SG? Hydrometer?

I ask because I was using an older one that a purchased along with some used equipment. It fell on the garage floor and broke so I bought a new one and my SG was1.030! PANIC! I brought it down thru a series of small step down water changes over a 2 week period and just got it to 1.025 a few days ago. I dont think anything was harmed but I didnt have any fish in the tank either just corals.

Just a thought. A few of us are sitting here thinking what it could be.

Hope things turn around for ya.

[Petoonia]

2 hours might be a little too long to acclimate. I know some places suggest that amount of time, but I think 45 mins. to an hour is enough time to acclimate most fish.

Of course you could have just been unlucky and gotten sick fish. After 2 strikes with fish I would suggest setting up a quarantine tank, that way you can monitor, and be certain that the fish is healthy before you add it to the main tank.


In the meantime why not try an easy coral maybe some mushrooms, or green star polyps, and see how they do.

[Six-line Wrasse]

I acclimate corals, fish and invertebrates only for about 15 minutes. That's just enough time to bring their bag water up to temperature and for my to change the salinity from the fish store's 1.022 to my 1.025. So far the only fish death I've had was from a ******* mantis shrimp that I should've saved. Oh well.

When purchasing fish on "fish day" at your local store, go early. If you can get them while they're still in the bag you're better off then having to re-acclimate them for what may be the 3rd time that day.

[dfurbee]

Well, I found out what the problem was. A girl at the lfs has a 120gal. sw tank, she is very good at advise (too bad I did not find her sooner). Took my water in to be tested. Come to find out, my pH test kit is bad, my current pH is 7.4!!!!! That is why all of my fish and snails are dying. Got some marine buffer, and another pH test kit. Hopefully soon, I can start again. It is funny how the crabs survived?? Debra