Just Starting Out...

lbdan · May 24, 2016

So I just set up my tank. 20 gallons, live rock, live sand, fluorescent lights, filter, heater, and 2 clown fish and one small polyp coral. Everything seems to be going ok, except one of the clown fish seems to be having some issues. It just stays at the bottom of the tank, barely moves and does not really eat. Im wondering if its the fish or the tank, but the other clown and coral seem to be doing really well. I'll be taking a water sample in today, but just looking for ideas.
Thank you

RyanCSGO · May 24, 2016

Welcome to R2R!

how long has the tank been up and running?

lbdan · May 24, 2016

RyanCSGO said:
Welcome to R2R!
how long has the tank been up and running?

I set it up Friday night with clowns and rocks. Added sand on Saturday

Waters · May 24, 2016

lbdan said:
I set it up Friday night with clowns and rocks. Added sand on Saturday

That might be what is stressing the Clowns. Unless you set up the tank using cured, established live rock, your tank still needs to cycle. It sounds like you moved a little too fast unfortunately. You are probably showing elevated levels of ammonia which isn't good for the fish or coral. Either way, a good starting point would be to test the water for all of the basics (Ammonia, Nitrites, PH, salinity). With that information, we can give you suggestions as to your next steps.

lbdan · May 24, 2016

Ok, thank you. I'll get the test results and post them as soon as I can. The lady at the store said the rocks were cured and established, in fact she made sure to give me those rather than ones that would not be ready yet.