Clownfish Behavior

[mdobbins]

Hello I was wondering if what my clownfish is doing with their mouth is normal I have had it for a week. This is my first saltwater aquarium and first fish so I’m just super nervous about messing something up. I also haven’t actively seen them eat yet either. Thanks for any advice and help!

 

[KrisReef]

@Jay Hemdal

Respiration, for this one, I got 19/5 seconds or ~225/minute which is elevated and not a good situation!

 

[LOZReefer]

Labored breathing. Is this tank cycled? Have you tested parameters? Specifically salinity and ammonia?

 

[mdobbins]

Labored breathing. Is this tank cycled? Have you tested parameters? Specifically ammonia?

Not fully yet but I tested the water and everything looked okay

 

[RabidDragon]

what airation do you have in the tank?

experts are going to want your tank test results to advise on this:
specific gravity
Temp
ammonia
pH
general tank setup... water movement, water aeration, age of tank, status of cycle

 

[LOZReefer]

Not fully yet but I tested the water and everything looked okay

If tank is not cycled I suspect this is ammonia burn to the gills and unfortunately is permanent. I'll let others chime in though.

Do you have the ability to make your own saltwater and do a large waterchange?

 

[mdobbins]

what airation do you have in the tank?

experts are going to want your tank test results to advise on this:
specific gravity
Temp
ammonia
pH
general tank setup... water movement, water aeration, age of tank, status of cycle

Salinity is 1.025
Temp 78.2
Canister Filter output for aeration, tank has been running for a month with just live sand and water, added live rock and fish plus the bacteria a week ago.

 

[mdobbins]

Not fully yet but I tested the water and everything looked okay

If tank is not cycled I suspect this is ammonia burn to the gills and unfortunately is permanent. I'll let others chime in though.

Do you have the ability to make your own saltwater and do a large waterchange?

Yes I can make salt water and do a water change! I’ll do that now.

 

[That Crusso Kid]

Yes I can make salt water and do a water change! I’ll do that now.

Also lower the temp to 78-80. Do this gradually.

 

[LOZReefer]

Assuming that's not a typo, 87.2 is a bit on the high side. I do 78.5

Those API test kits aren't the greatest. I would recommend HANNA checkers for Ammonia. Will give you a much more accurate reading.

I think for the time being, if possible do a little water change and add an air stone if you've got one.

 

[mdobbins]

Yes sorry its 78.2

 

[That Crusso Kid]

Yes sorry its 78.2

Whew! That's good as it's one less thing to deal with right now.

 

[RabidDragon]

your test results are invalid, the kit you are using is specifically for freshwater.... not saltwater.

agree with others, if you added the fish and bacteria on the same day... starting your "cycle" the same day you added fish, ammonia is entirely likely to be the culprit

 

[LOZReefer]

your test results are invalid, the kit you are using is specifically for freshwater.... not saltwater.

Good catch!

 

[mdobbins]

your test results are invalid, the kit you are using is specifically for freshwater.... not saltwater.

agree with others, if you added the fish and bacteria on the same day... starting your "cycle" the same day you added fish, ammonia is entirely likely to be the culprit

I was told I could still use that kit, is that not true?

 

[LOZReefer]

Well, a google search suggests you can use either. Says just to use the saltwater color chart (which you can find online). However, just comparing your results to my API test kit chart, it looks fine. But as I mentioned before, API test kits are inaccurate.

 

[dvgyfresh]

I was told I could still use that kit, is that not true?

I use the saltwater master test kit , I think it does matter slightly

 

[mdobbins]

Well a google search suggests you can use either. Says just to use the saltwater color chart (which you can find online). However, just comparing your results to my API test kit chart, it looks fine. But as I mentioned before, API test kits are inaccurate.

What test could I get that would be better?

 

[dedragon]

What test could I get that would be better?

salifert, red sea, and/or hanna checkers (electronic) are all good options. api isnt very accurate especially for alk

 

[Jay Hemdal]

Hello I was wondering if what my clownfish is doing with their mouth is normal I have had it for a week. This is my first saltwater aquarium and first fish so I’m just super nervous about messing something up. I also haven’t actively seen them eat yet either. Thanks for any advice and help!

I see a lot of comments about water quality - but this could also be a disease issue.

First, are there any invertebrates in the tank? If so and if they are doing fine, then it points to a fish disease.

For sure add an air stone and get an accurate ammonia test and let us know.