Looking for some advice on my 15 gallon tank

[BklynNewbie]

Hi Everyone,

Go easy on me, first timer.

I have had a 15 gallon FOWLR tank setup for a few (around 4-5) months now. An Aqueon 15 column aquarium that came with a bunch of stuff-

Integrated Fluorescent Light Hood
QuietFlow Power Filter
Filter Cartridge
Heater
Premium Fish Food (haven't used this however)
Water Conditioner
Thermometer
Fish Net
I ended up adding a different LED light, 1 white and 1 blue.
I also have an airstone in there

From there to start, I also got live sand, a piece of live rock (I believe 4.4lbs) and biosphere as the guy told me that would speed up the cycle process. (this was from Petco) I got fish, and I imagine too early about 2-3 weeks in. The guy made it seem like with the biosphere, it would be ok. Yea, not great advice as the damsel and clowns both didn't make it past about a week. So I let it cycle another 6 weeks or so and ended up getting 2 fish again. 1 black ocellaris and 1 orange. The orange didn't last very long, they seemed fine to start for several days, prior to going to sleep at night, they looked fine. No swimming weirdly, or discoloration, but the next morning it was dead. I would wait a couple weeks, and the same thing happened with about 3 more orange ocellaris. During this time, water parameters were all usually the same: (BTW, I was doing 20% water changes weekly)

Using API test kit:
PH: 8.0
Ammonia: 0
Nitrates: 0
Nitrites: 0
Temp: 80
Salinity: 1.025 (I use the Fluval Sea hydrometer that stays in the tank)

Reading around on this forum and others, I believe I was probably going too fast. And made a mistake of getting fish from Petco. I realized that it's not ideal and I won't be doing that again.

My black ocellaris was good, swimming around happy, eating, nothing wrong with it. He was alone and after some time, I added a firefish. They were both good, nothing was wrong. NOTE* I usually add them in the bag in the tank for 15-20 minutes for temperature, then I will open up the bag, and with a baster drop in some of my aquarium water and leave them in that for another 15-20 minutes before adding them into mine) I added an orange ocellaris again (smaller than the black, as they all have been) from my LFS (give up on petco) and they seemed great for a week and a half. Then I noticed some white dots on the black one 2-3 days in. It didn't seem like Ich from what I read, but maybe it was Brooklynella? (after he died, he did look somewhat slimy on the outside) It started staying on the bottom in the sand, eating like normal, but his behavioral patterns definitely changed. He lasted 2 days like that and died, then the orange ocellaris went, and finally the firefish. I am wondering if there is some parasite or something that caused that from that orange clown? Prior to that, the black clown and fire fish were always healthy and seemed happy.
Obviously, my tank is empty now and I won't add anything till I get some good feedback.

Things I know now that I didn't before:

-Don't mix tap/salt water manually. RO is ideal
-No more fish from Petco, somewhere like LiveAquria is a better choice
-Be patient
-Have a quarantine tank setup (which I plan to do once I get going again)
-Research medications needed in the event of an emergency and have them on hand
-Be patient (I know it's on here already )

So here is my question. What should I do now? I initially wanted some corals (something easy I think I read like leather toadstools are fairly easy?) I realize I probably need a better pump to generate more movement and possibly better lighting. I plan on going slow from here on out, but I want to know what I should do. Do I need to get rid of the sand in there now and replace with new sand? Ultimately, I would love some more live rock, a few corals (if possible) and probably 2-3 fish at most. Every time I do research on this, something happens and I feel like I am scrambling for info at the last minute. So I am here to basically start fresh and hopefully have a more successful time my 2nd go around.

Also, I was feeding them once a day or every other day.

I'm including a few pics of stuff I have on hand, the food I was feeding them, the light I purchased, and the poor fire fish who died today. (to see if maybe someone can tell or get an idea of what happened?)

http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=33u3ho0&s=8#.U-U_vvldWSo
http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=2irrgwo&s=8#.U-U_7vldWSo
http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=fuc9hj&s=8#.U-VAEvldWSo
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IHV8MW2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1




Any help is appreciated! Sorry for the long story!! Thanks everyone

 

[BklynNewbie]

let me know if i missed anything, i tried to include as much info as possible. but i'm sure i may have left stuff out

 

[dc]

Ok, I removed all the smart alec replies. Let's start over.

When new members post a lot of links/attachments sometimes they go into a moderating q until someone approves them.
All fixed.

 

[zn00py]

I would start off with adding some more live rock.Purchasing a refractometer as they give better readings.Your tank didnt seem to be cycled the first 6 weeks so I think that led to your fishes dying.Just try to go slower

 

[Sk8r]

A damsel takes a 100 gallon tank. Do not take advice from that store.

You would be better off, with a 15, starting out as a softie reef, with some zoas and mushrooms, and only once you've got that stable, multiplying, and looking good---then bring in a few interesting inverts, and ultimately the tiniest of gobies, who will by then have plenty of 'folded' space and texture to live in. Trying to run fish in a tank with just sand and rock is fine if you have more room---but in a very tiny space, establishing 'life' and getting the environment stable would give you a far better chance of success. Softie corals are forgiving, don't take high light as a rule, and are living filters. Get THEM happy and multiplying, and then get gobies whose adult size is under two inches. The tank would support 2-3 of those.

 

[E46Twist]

Okay you got bad advice but that is not your fault. First of all you need to make sure and acclimate each fish. Second you really need to think about stocking and what fish you want. A 15 is good for 3"-5" of adult fish, so let's say two max, maybe 3. Most fish need much larger tanks so you need to research each purpose. As far as corals go, I would not even consider any until you can long term keep a fish or two.

Edit: First first, you need more LR aim for 15 lbs. That is you ammonia filter and 4.5lbs ain't gonna cut it for 3 fish.

 

[BklynNewbie]

I would start off with adding some more live rock.Purchasing a refractometer as they give better readings.Your tank didnt seem to be cycled the first 6 weeks so I think that led to your fishes dying.Just try to go slower

Thanks! I got like 7lbs of live rock added, I only had like 4lbs before, and I am changing out the live sand too. Not sure if it's necessary, but to be on the safe side.

But I heard that it could be the same, in terms of not cycling, so I figure i'll start the process over and let it cycle for a month.

I've heard about feeding the tank as well during the cycling process, do I need to do this even with the live rock/sand?

 

[BklynNewbie]

A damsel takes a 100 gallon tank. Do not take advice from that store.

You would be better off, with a 15, starting out as a softie reef, with some zoas and mushrooms, and only once you've got that stable, multiplying, and looking good---then bring in a few interesting inverts, and ultimately the tiniest of gobies, who will by then have plenty of 'folded' space and texture to live in. Trying to run fish in a tank with just sand and rock is fine if you have more room---but in a very tiny space, establishing 'life' and getting the environment stable would give you a far better chance of success. Softie corals are forgiving, don't take high light as a rule, and are living filters. Get THEM happy and multiplying, and then get gobies whose adult size is under two inches. The tank would support 2-3 of those.

Thanks! I was looking at mushrooms and saw them as a little easier in terms of lighting/maintenance, etc..

I'll look into getting my tank right, then adding some softie reefs. I hadn't really heard of zoas but i'll look into it. hoping to have some different color varieties in there.

 

[BklynNewbie]

Okay you got bad advice but that is not your fault. First of all you need to make sure and acclimate each fish. Second you really need to think about stocking and what fish you want. A 15 is good for 3"-5" of adult fish, so let's say two max, maybe 3. Most fish need much larger tanks so you need to research each purpose. As far as corals go, I would not even consider any until you can long term keep a fish or two.

Edit: First first, you need more LR aim for 15 lbs. That is you ammonia filter and 4.5lbs ain't gonna cut it for 3 fish.

Thanks.. I appreciate it. I did get some more live rock, but I will get some more. I thought that was the order too, but another poster said start with a softie coral?

Is it better to start with a fish or 2, and then the coral? I am fine with 2 or 3 fish max. Nothing that will get big

 

[Sk8r]

I would advise starting with the coral first, plus a few hermit crabs, then inverts, THEN fish. This is not the normal order, but a 15 is not a normal tank.

Look at the stickies up above. There is one monster post divided by topics that will walk you through the setup process and tell you things you haven't asked yet. The only thing I would urge differently is setting up a reef before adding fish.

 

[acabgd]

I would also certainly not introduce any fish in the next 8 or even 10 weeks, as you're not really sure why your fish died. Could've been something that might stay in the tank for some ti.e and kill each and every new fish you introduce. By leaving the tank fishless for the period of 8-10 weeks, you will make sure that whatever was in your tank is no longer there and cannot endanger any future fish.
I the meantime, as said above, you can introduce some soft coral.

 

[BklynNewbie]

I would advise starting with the coral first, plus a few hermit crabs, then inverts, THEN fish. This is not the normal order, but a 15 is not a normal tank.

Look at the stickies up above. There is one monster post divided by topics that will walk you through the setup process and tell you things you haven't asked yet. The only thing I would urge differently is setting up a reef before adding fish.

Got it.. Thanks. I'll definitely look in to that and give it some time. Would you advise I add the corals soon or should i wait? I have added more live rock and changed out the sand

 

[BklynNewbie]

On a separate note, i added more rock and it seems a couple things made their way on/in the rocks that i need help identifying if someone has some insight?

1 is in a shell and the other looks like it's in the rock but i can see it going in and coming out. I see 2 of them actually sticking out the rock

shell- http://oi57.tinypic.com/2u6370o.jpg

???- http://oi58.tinypic.com/1znwep3.jpg

 

[Odysi]

The snail looks like a Turbo snail and #2 looks to be Bristle worm both good part of CuC. In a smaller tank it is harder to maintain water quality which is why i Sk8r is telling you to start with some easy corals to care for. If you can get those happy and growing then the water parameters will be perfect for some small fish. Look into fish that would work in Nano tanks.

 

[BklynNewbie]

The snail looks like a Turbo snail and #2 looks to be Bristle worm both good part of CuC. In a smaller tank it is harder to maintain water quality which is why i Sk8r is telling you to start with some easy corals to care for. If you can get those happy and growing then the water parameters will be perfect for some small fish. Look into fish that would work in Nano tanks.

Awesome, will do. Whatever will make the process easier. I didn't know what to put for a CuC but if they will take care of that stuff already, that's awesome.

I've looked here usually and from some of the feedback I've received, I'll make a decision. Thanks for the info.

BTW, I see you're in Brooklyn. I'm in Brooklyn too :wave: lol

 

[xCry0x]

Petco for fish isn't the worst place in the world.. just don't trust anyone until they prove they know what they are talking about. That holds true for almost anything in life, not just buying fish although this hobby really drives home the point on a regular basis.

The major concern with petco is sick/unhealthy fish, so just try to be smart about not picking a fish swimming sideways =P

Hell I have heard some stupid a** advice from my actual "LFS" local fish store..

 

[Sk8r]

ID is correct: good guys, and if they stay healthy (plunk 3-4 flakes of fish food in there every day or so to keep these alive) it is safe to add corals. Treat them as 'mine canaries.' Their living is an indication things aren't too bad in there. Unlike fish, they don't have parasite infestations, so you can be sure they're safe. You can start adding a few mushrooms. And when those spread, I'd start a fish in quarantine: 4 weeks in quarantine and still healthy proves a fish has no parasites and will not spread into your tank. 8-12 weeks is time enough for any parasites that did get into your tank from the demised fish to starve to death, so you won't have to worry about that either.

Good luck! i think you'll have much more success in this second go: a mushroom tank can be quite beautiful, and hardy as well! There are, incidentally, dips for corals, and using them (read carefully about which species to use what on) will prevent any CORAL pests from getting in. Read in the softie forum about these various types and get info on nudibranchs and other things to watch for. But they are in many ways tougher than fish.

 

[BklynNewbie]

ID is correct: good guys, and if they stay healthy (plunk 3-4 flakes of fish food in there every day or so to keep these alive) it is safe to add corals. Treat them as 'mine canaries.' Their living is an indication things aren't too bad in there. Unlike fish, they don't have parasite infestations, so you can be sure they're safe. You can start adding a few mushrooms. And when those spread, I'd start a fish in quarantine: 4 weeks in quarantine and still healthy proves a fish has no parasites and will not spread into your tank. 8-12 weeks is time enough for any parasites that did get into your tank from the demised fish to starve to death, so you won't have to worry about that either.

Good luck! i think you'll have much more success in this second go: a mushroom tank can be quite beautiful, and hardy as well! There are, incidentally, dips for corals, and using them (read carefully about which species to use what on) will prevent any CORAL pests from getting in. Read in the softie forum about these various types and get info on nudibranchs and other things to watch for. But they are in many ways tougher than fish.

Thanks! So I will keep those guys in there. And I will start looking into some corals.

I did like the leather toadstools, so maybe those are an option. I am hoping to get some nice colors in there in terms of corals.

Also, silly question probably, but when you say "when those spread" in terms of mushrooms, what do you mean?

 

[Sk8r]

They divide and multiply. A lot, when healthy. Corals in general reproduce by division. I introduced 3 'heads' about an inch each of hammer coral into my 52 gallon, and in a few years I had a coral the size of a basketball. I broke it up (for its own good) and within a year my formerly barren rock looked like a rose parade float. Soft corals reproduce even faster than hammer, given decent light and good water quality. Get an alkalinity test, and use it weekly. Use alkalinity buffer and water changes to keep it spot on, and you should have good luck.

 

[awexis]

My LFS gave me awful advice and they continue to ask me every time I go to buy something if my tank is cycled even though I'm always there. I think they just try to sound intelligent by asking me. Like no it uncycled since three months ago when I started coming here. Lol. Anyway, because of this I bought my clownfish from Petco. The girl there seemed to know more about the fish than the guy at my own LFS that specializes in fish. Go figure. I think it really depends on which one you go to. I know the one a little farther from where I live has more fish but they all look awful. I would never trust buying one from there. My one clownfish has been around for a month now. I just recently added a second. Both are super active and healthy. Just putting my two cents in about the Petco thing. There's a few good ones out there. Lol.