Saltwater tank disaster

Question
Bill...yesterday I purchased 4 new fish at Petco for our 100 gal. tank. A Belenny Lawnmower, Butterfly Dash, Wrasse/Lunare and an Angel. The sales clerk also suggested a large live rock, about 8 lbs and 16" tall to add dimension and interest, plus some "hiding" room for the new guests. Disaster struck hours later. All 4 new fish were dead this by this afternoon, 24 hours after putting them into the tank, and our perfect Tang expired as well. I checked PH, Nitrates, etc. also perfect. But an off the charts spike in Nitrites occured, and I suspect it had to do with the "rock"..what else could it be? We've pulled the rock for now...but it was in a tank at Petco, with healthy fish. So I presume it was cured. We're hoping we don't lose anymore, but the rest of our family are gasping. We've done a 40% water change, and I rushed to a pet supply store this morning and bought something called Nite-Out II. Within 2 hours the Nitrite levels are down to normal range. Keep in mind we have no other "live" plants or rocks...just the one we introduced yesterday. It's so sad to see the dead beauty...we sure don't want this to happen again...any advise will be most welcomed. Thanks. Paul and Tamara

Answer
Hey Paul and Tamara,

I am so sorry for your loss and headache.

I love petco and petsmart and al the other pet stores, BUT, will never buy anything alive from them, EVER.  

I know many folks have, and they have had good luck, but, they cant possibly be able to handle, and transport fish in the time frame and manner that will assure good success..


I think you answered the question, but not for the same reasons

Yes, i think the rock was the 'cause', but not the rock itself, but rather, anytime you add or subtract anything from your reef tank, the 'biological' filter needs time to adjust to the new bio load.  If you are adding more rock, then you are adding more things that can eat stuff but yet, have not added more stuff to eat.

Adding things at the same time, like the rock and the fish rarely ever work out.

Chances are you also stirred up teh sand bed, and increasing nutrient levels.

You mention several tests, but you didnt mention AMMONIA.  I imagine Ammonia is thru the roof.


My suggestion is to do the major water changes, every two days for two to three times, then water change every 4-6 days for two to three times, then once a week, then twice a month, etc...

I would leave the rock in the tank, actually, and let it cure.

(dotn assume anything, especially from a reef or fish store, at least until they know your wifes name)

In the future, i think you got it on the rock and fish thing, BUT, I should also suggest to not add several things at once...  You wont know what hte cause/culprit is, and it gives your system a chance to balance to the new addition.


Good luck, and let me know how things work out for you.


Mr. Bill