Pet Information > ASK Experts > Pet Fish > Saltwater Aquarium > new aquarium set up trouble shooting...

new aquarium set up trouble shooting...

25 9:49:35

Question
Hi Scott,

recently i have just set up a new saltwater tank, this tank has been inactive (not used) for a couple years. I began by washing out all the filter and accessories. After I've cleaned out the whole system, I set it up and now its running again. I added a damsel in there with two live rocks. However, the next day i wake seeing the damsel dead on the substrait floor. I increase the water flow and oxygen pump, and made sure that water an ph are fine. I add another damsel in, the same result occurs. One is still floating around looking like it might pass out. I have no clue why this is happening, and when i got the water checked by 2 different aquariums, they say there is no problem with my tank. I have no clue why this is happening, maybe you may know what is wrong wtih my tank. Thank YOu for your attention.

- Cham

Answer
Cham,
What did you use to clean your aquarium, filter and accessories?  If you used anything other than salt water or a low concentration of bleach water you have cleaning chemical residue in the aquarium that is killing off the fish.

I'd recommend putting in a PolyFilter to absorb whatever funky chemical is in the water.

If you didn't use any chemicals while cleaning the tank then I would look at how you are aclimating your fish.  Do it slowly and make sure to find out what the water parameters are in the places you are buying these animals.  If they vary quite a bit you may want to try to modify your water to be a lot closer to their pH, salinity and water temp.  That will ease any unnecessary stress on the animals.

Also, find out if the store you are buying them from is having any issues with their shipments.  Sometimes, especially this time of year, fish sit at airports for too long delayed by weather, etc.  It's hard on them and fish stores will lose them as well.  If it's a reputable store that you can trust they will tell you the truth and recommend some other animals that are doing much better.

Best of luck with your tank!

Regards,
Scott Johnson
Aquarium Crazy Fish
www.aquariumcrazyfish.com