[dreamerfaerie]

*sign* im very uphappy to have to post this but I really want to make sure its not something Im doing. We got 3 new fish on Sunday from a store down the street. I was a little hesitant to buy them from this store because the quality of the fish were not very good but the people were very knowledgable.

We have 2 clowns and 2 chromis in there that we have had for about 4 weeks. The 3 new fish all died within 2 days. The clowns and chromis are all fine.

Our water is testing great. Everything in the tank looks great and as I said the other fish are great. Eating well and free from any disease.

Please someone tell me this wasnt my fault! (other then trusting the fish provider)

[ACE]

OK, I don't think it was your fault it was probably the quality of fish.

I have had the same problem if I get my fish from an irresponsible dealer.

How did you acclimate them???

[dreamerfaerie]

15 mins in the bag floating on the top. Then we cut a slit in the bag and let our water come in for another 15-20 mins. Then we let them out.

We made sure to offer then the same food they were eating so they didnt get stressed out.

[AMS]

if you have ANY reservations about the fish in the store, do not buy them. knowledge about fish does not translate in to being responsible in terms of the care the fish require between delivery from the wholesaler and sale to the customer.

if you buy fish that look suspect, you risk opening the door for parasitic/viral/bacterial infestations to affect your existing fish population.

granted, if you have a reef and or live rock, you've probably already got every pathogen/parasite in the books lurking around, but when you bring in infected fish, you have a) stress in the tank from the new additions and b) parasites that are rearing and ready to go on the new fish. bad combination.

i would ask to see your LFS's quarantine system. if they are worth their salt (so to speak), they will be more than happy to show you. if they don't show you, or even worse, don't have a quarantine system (and many LFSs don't), find a new store.

[ACE]

I would do a drip acclimation next time it is the best way to acclimate your fish and inverts, hear is a link that will tell you more, It will explain it and gives a picture demonstration.

Saltwater Fish Superstore - Saltwaterfish.com

[dreamerfaerie]

This is the way we did the other fish and it worked great for them so we thought we would do it again with the prev. luck. I will try this drip option out for now on.

[dreamerfaerie]

Just wondering - 1 of the small fish we cant get out of the tank. Its behind the rocks in the middle. We would have to remove all the rocks to get it out.

Will the hermit crabs eat him? I will move the rocks if I have too, but if the hermit crabs will take care of him I would much rather not mess up the entire reef and all the coral to get out 1 fish.

Does that sound horrible?

[ncdiablo]

I understand you don't want to mess up the reef to get to the fish but I would try to alter it a little bit in order to get to the fish. Not good to have dead things laying about decaying if they aren't eaten quickly enough by the clean up crew.

[dreamerfaerie]

Thats what I thought plus it grosses me out to have it in there. But we cant actually find him today so we moved some things where he was yesterday and he is not there. We are hoping the crabs ate him or he shows up tonight so we can remove him

[DoLceNBeLLa]

If it isn't too late, go back to the store and raise hell. Two days from the store is ridiculous.

Good luck

[NATIVEVAMAN]

I noticed that in your description of putting the fish in the tank you didnt mention your own quarentine system.If I were you I would have one set up before the next purchase.

[dreamerfaerie]

The fish store has no policy - That I already know. Honestly I don't want to go back and have him blame it on me - I tend to take it very personally when fish die and I would get very angry at the store person and probably make a scene and that not good for either party.
I don't have a quarantine system now, but will have one in place before anymore living things are added to my tank.

[e_baer]

10g tank walmart....9.87

[Kimjo1]

Sorry to hear about your fishies =(. Sounds like not your fault. I have never had good luck with a fish from petco in the past. Maybe a good suggestion JMO... When looking at fish at fish store. Ask how long they have been there. Ask to see him eat and take notice of other fish on that tank OR the tanks that are all attached to that tank. and I know a pain in the AZZ but try to QT new fishies. We have a LFS here in Boston that has a few tanks that is labled with the date the fish came in... Its good cuz they should be acclimated to the lfs for about a week and eating without pinched bellies and such. =)
again, sorry for your loss. =(