Hi there everyone. I’m not necessarily new to saltwater tanks. I had one for several years till about 6 years ago. I started about 2 months ago the journey of a new tank. I’ve set up a 29gallon which has been cycled. Yesterday I chose to introduce the first fish residents. I did two O. Clown fish which were a bonded pair. Brought them home, acclimated them and then kept the lights off all day/night till this morning. From last night and all day today, I’ve observed they are both gasping frequently. The both tend to stay very close to the surface in a back corner. The smaller one ventures around but the larger one will not leave the surface area unless it’s feeding time. It only occasionally pops it’s face out of the surface. Now my parameters appear normal. nitrite undetected, nitrate undetected, ammonia undetected, Ph 8.0-8.2 (have been working to get it steady since the fish were introduced). Salinity tested at a 1.025. Heater is set to 78 degrees and I’m using a Marineland penguin power filter with bio, mechanical, and chemical filtering. The power filter is definitely agitating the surface for oxygenation. Could it be not enough? Also I’m using a live sand substrate and have a few medium sized live rock. I’ve fed them twice with frozen brine and they go crazy for it.
My mind is leaning towards the Ph, the surface agitation, or perhaps lighting? Something is stressing them out. Any thoughts or suggestions? Feeling a little bummed having issues on day one. A lot has changed in 6 years.
My mind is leaning towards the Ph, the surface agitation, or perhaps lighting? Something is stressing them out. Any thoughts or suggestions? Feeling a little bummed having issues on day one. A lot has changed in 6 years.