new tank doing bad

[awestruck]

rayn, I know you were kidding silly.

 

[awestruck]

rtenzo,

I think you've gotten some excellent help from people who want you to succeed. As I posted earlier, get things started that were discussed earlier and then just take some time and read. With all of this information coming at you, well, it can be overwhelming. One thing about this hobby is that you really never stop learning. And, things change. As I stated in one of my previous responses, I didn't know Reef Central existed when I started. Man, my lfs really took me for some heavy cash and I still had a poorly run system--but, like so many newbies, you rely on your lfs to help you. I feel very fortunate now however, because there is a store about an hour from where I live and these guys TRULY know what they're doing. It's a great store with very knowledgable people! And, they don't rip people off. I've seen them strongly discourage the sale of an animal to people because the customer's tank wasn't ready, the lighting wasn't strong enough, or the tank wasn't big enough etc. To me that says integrity.

There will always be people here to help you and your wife so stay excited!

 

[julie180]

I tried to read through every post, maybe I missed it, but don't you think that 30 minutes for acclimation might have also contributed to his loss? If the LFS are running hypo that would not be near enough time to bring the difference up.

I would suggest a much longer time and when in doubt, test the water in the bag until the sg matches your tank.

Best of luck

 

[rayn]

If you are adding a cup of water every five minutes he should be fine. LFS here keep somewhere between 1.019 & 1.020 and I acclimate that way. Maybe a little longer but not much and I haven't lost a fish to that yet.

 

[meco65]

The salinity can be dropped fairly fast, going up is another story going from 1.019 to 1.025 should be done over 2 or more hours by drip acclamation, less stress on the fish.

 

[LaurieC]

THis may be a dumb question but is your test kit for saltwater (not fresh)--I ask because you mention that it is old and that you used to keep Chiclids?

 

[meco65]

On the test kits the drops are the same for fresh and salt, its the color chart that’s different and will through of the results.

 

[LaurieC]

Do test kits go bad ie do they have an experation date? I just wonder if the test kit is old or is for freshwater, if the readings aren't accurate?

 

[shifty51008]

yes they do go bad, and most have an expiration date on them, but from what I have read, replacing them after a year after they have been opened would be best to make sure of accuracy.