1 month is too young. You did the same thing I did. I’ve learned this hobby is all about patience and water quality. I’d hold off and bump your temp at least 76-78.
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I know I need to get more Live rock for this tank which I will in the near future. For now, I have the bottom of the tank filled with the Caribsea Live Sand. When I first cycled the tank, I used Prime by Seachem and API quick start. I also used Live Ocean Sea water by Imagitarium that Petco sells. I also have an RODI 5 stage system for top offs. The filtration system is the fx6 canister filter and I have a wavemaker installed on the side of the tank.That aquarium does not have enough live rock to provide any biological filtration at all. You need at least 175 lbs of rock for a tank that size. What other filtration are you running?
Also, where is the tang?
I don’t add the water from the fish bags at all.Also be sure you aren’t adding the water from the acclimation bags to your aquarium.
For acclimation, I first put the bags of fish into the tank for at least 20 mins. Then I take the bags out and put the fish into the bucket so I can drip acclimate them for another hour before putting them into the tank. No I don’t have a quarantine set up. How does that work is my next question.
Ok there’s nothing wrong with the canister filter at all, many people don’t use them but they are great if you clean them every month or two. Definitely add more rock as soon as possible, before other livestock. A good place to check for cheap rock is Craigslist. You can often find people breaking down a tank with rock that has been in there for years. You’ll want to keep the rock in water if you do buy it live to minimize die off as there will be another cycle when you add this. I would dose a little over the recommended amount of prime during this process. After that cycle is finished I’d hold off a few weeks and then try one or two hardier fish(chromis are a great, unaggressive option, just steer clear of damsels) and see how it goes. You have a large tank and healthy fish live for years so just take your time and enjoy the rideI know I need to get more Live rock for this tank which I will in the near future. For now, I have the bottom of the tank filled with the Caribsea Live Sand. When I first cycled the tank, I used Prime by Seachem and API quick start. I also used Live Ocean Sea water by Imagitarium that Petco sells. I also have an RODI 5 stage system for top offs. The filtration system is the fx6 canister filter and I have a wavemaker installed on the side of the tank.
I know I need to get more Live rock for this tank which I will in the near future. For now, I have the bottom of the tank filled with the Caribsea Live Sand. When I first cycled the tank, I used Prime by Seachem and API quick start. I also used Live Ocean Sea water by Imagitarium that Petco sells. I also have an RODI 5 stage system for top offs. The filtration system is the fx6 canister filter and I have a wavemaker installed on the side of the tank.
Bacteria need space to live. They live in small pores on the rock. Without more rock, there is not enough space for the bacteria to colonize even if you add bacteria to the water. Sand can host only so much bacteria, it is not enough. A good place to start is to have a 1:1 ratio of rocks(lb) to water(gallon).I know I need to get more Live rock for this tank which I will in the near future. For now, I have the bottom of the tank filled with the Caribsea Live Sand. When I first cycled the tank, I used Prime by Seachem and API quick start. I also used Live Ocean Sea water by Imagitarium that Petco sells. I also have an RODI 5 stage system for top offs. The filtration system is the fx6 canister filter and I have a wavemaker installed on the side of the tank.
I was asking OPHard to say without the above information.
Did you observe them all eating?
Also, that's quite a few fish in a short amount of time. How frequently do you check ammonia levels? Did it go up after adding the most recent additions?
Definitely need more rocks in such a big tank. Add hiding spots for fish and places for algae to grow for your grazers
Yeah, that's another really good point.I agree with everyone saying not enough rock and beneficial bacteria. This fish were probably stressed from having no places to establish their little territories. It also take monthhss for a take to establish enough bacteria when it has an adequate amount of like rock. I would also take that choc star back as it is going to starve to death in new tank.