My saltwater fish tank has taken a turn for the worst

25 9:32:59

Question

confused why is this Hi,
Why has my saltwater fish tank has taken a turn for the worst. I have had my fish tank for 4 weeks. I have 40lbs if live rocks which was cured when I purchased them, I have 2 damsels, 1 bi-color blinny, 15 hermit crabs and 2 snails. I have had my water test and everything is perfect. But at first I had brown mess everywhere and I was told that it would pass by making my water changes regular like I do. Now I have some grey mess that looks like dirt that's gone bad. I stirred up my tank last night and took pictures this morning to send you. This is a 28 gallon nano cube. I purchased the live rock from the same place but not at the same time. Please help or I'm thinking of changing my tank to a freshwater tank which is a whole lot cheaper and less headaches.

Signed the DISTURBED one

Answer
Hello Disturbed one...

I have not so good news for you... so i will apologize upfront, and please know i dont fault or think you did anything wrong, (other then to believe whomever sold you the fish and clean up crew)

I will suggest that you continue reading and researching and look at www.reefkeeping.com on how to startup / setup a saltwater aquarium.

Please read the sections related to cycling a saltwater tank..

That information would suggest that you dont add fish or at least the quantity of fish and clean up crew that you have until AFTER the tank is cycled... and since your tank is only 4 weeks old, it would be impossible for your tank to cycle and have those fish by this time...

PLEASE give me the water perameters so i can understand and confirm they are PERFECT as you say..

The dirt looking stuff is detritus and DOC, that has not been converted/processed by a biological filtration system...

That system is what is grown during that 'cycle' process.. without it, you cant keep fish and critter, at least not for long as you are finding out...

Also, please let me know what equipment you have, and what lighting... do you have the little plastic SURFACE skimmer part that they sell seperate, but is truly needed? (this goes over the grille/drain/ on the back wall and has 'teeth' so the water falls through that piece and down/into the back of the tank...

I know it maybe frustrating, but realistically it isnt that bad, and although the starting up process and up to the first year is a lot of work, and a lot of learning, after that period, it is much easier then fresh water, as the filter doesnt need to be maintained like a fresh water filter... that is the beauty of a BIOLOGICAL filtration system...

if you would like to post this question an dmore picture on my new forum, i am sure others will be glad to jump into the discussion and help out..

good luck and i lood forwared to hearing from you again..

bill

Prev:30 gallon saltwater
Next:Cost of running a fish tank

Saltwater Aquarium

Fish Freshwater Aquarium Pond Water Gardening Saltwater Aquarium

My saltwater fish tank has taken a turn for the worst

Related Articles

Saltwater Aquarium

Most Popular

You Might Also Like

DON'T MISS

More Great Links