Lost two clownfish, unsure what to do next!

[theuksnoobreefer]

Hi everyone!

I’m super excited (and a little overwhelmed) to share that I started my very first saltwater aquarium about two weeks ago! After lots of research, joining a bunch of groups, and figuring out what fits my space, I decided to go with the Fluval Evo 13.5. I know it’s on the smaller side, but my plan was just to keep a couple of clowns, a CUC, and maybe add a coral or two down the line. I’ve seen so many people have great success with this tank, so I felt confident giving it a go.

Originally, I wanted to do a fishless cycle, but my LFS strongly recommended a fish-in cycle instead. Following their advice, I added bottled bacteria (JBL Denitrol) and two clowns on the same day. I’ve been religious about testing my water to ensure ammonia and nitrite levels stay in a safe range. During the first week, everything seemed okay. I even did a 20% water change when ammonia levels started creeping up, just to be extra cautious about keeping the clowns comfortable.

My LFS also recommended adding some CUC during this time, so I picked up a cleaner shrimp, two hermit crabs, and a snail (can’t remember exactly what type of snail, though).

Unfortunately, two days ago, one of the clowns developed white spots, and by the next day, it had passed away. Heartbreakingly, the same thing happened to the second clown shortly after. I’m absolutely gutted—I really thought I was doing everything I could to ensure the tank cycled safely without harming the fish. My LFS suspects it was ich (a parasite), which seems to be pretty common from what I’ve read.

Now I’m stuck and super confused because I’m getting mixed advice about what to do next. My LFS said to leave the tank fishless for two weeks to starve out the parasite, but I’ve read in other places that I might need to wait up to 72 days to be safe. I also know I can’t treat the tank with copper since I have a CUC in there.

Can I just keep cycling the tank with my CUC for now? I’m nervous about adding more fish too soon, but I don’t want to give up on the hobby already—especially with all the time, money, and effort I’ve put into it so far.

Thanks so much for reading, and I really appreciate any advice or tips you can share!

 

[Tahoe61]

I am so sorry this happened. You were given wrong information unfortunately. Find a different resource from that particular LFS.
The vast majority of LFS want you to be successful. You describe a LFS that wants to make a sale above all else.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.138750/
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/ich-management.1028274/

 

[IceNein]

Yeah, this is very upsetting, but I would definitely recommend doing a fallow period on the new tank. I understand that it's disappointing to have a tank running for nearly three months without any fish in it, but if you don't you risk giving your new fish whatever killed your clowns.

 

[Uncle99]

At normal running temps, 70-76 days fallow is very safe.

You can raise the temp and lower to around 45, but read up on that in this section, to what temp is best if you go that way.

I’ve only used the 70 day time, successfully many times.

 

[theuksnoobreefer]

Yeah, this is very upsetting, but I would definitely recommend doing a fallow period on the new tank. I understand that it's disappointing to have a tank running for nearly three months without any fish in it, but if you don't you risk giving your new fish whatever killed your clowns.

It's horrid but I'd rather be patient and do the correct thing :)

As my tank hasn't fully cycled still, will I be able to cycle it with my CUC in there? I'm still feeding small amounts for the CUC.

I'm currently doing weekly 10% water changes as well, regardless of params, this is what the LFS told me to do. Does that sound right?

Appreciate the help!

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

No more fish in cycles and stop listening to your LFS. Patience and research is key in this hobby. Listen to all above good advise. Good luck.

 

[theuksnoobreefer]

No more fish in cycles and stop listening to your LFS. Patience and research is key in this hobby. Listen to all above good advise. Good luck.

I wish I trusted my gut, and used the information I had already found.

Time to let it fallow for 70 days. Hopefully my cycle will also be complete then. I will continue testing, feeding for the CUC and doing weekly changes to prevent my params rocketing and affecting the CUC.

 

[theuksnoobreefer]

I'm still confused as to what my next steps are now.

Can someone help?

I'm thinking to keep my tank fish free for 70 days to kill said parasite. I have a CUC in there still, so will be feeding tiny amounts.

As my tank isn't cycled, continue checking my levels and doing weekly 10% water changes (suggested by LFS).

Hopefully by the time the 70 days are up, my tank will be cycled?

 

[Tahoe61]

Your tank will most likely be cycled in a couple weeks. Just lightly feed the cuc. Test for ammonia and nitrates periodically.
I would add some Microbactor7 as directed on the bottle.
If able find another fish store and resource. Keep reading the forum and researching.

 

[theuksnoobreefer]

Your tank will most likely be cycled in a couple weeks. Just lightly feed the cuc. Test for ammonia and nitrates periodically.
I would add some Microbactor7 as directed on the bottle.
If able find another fish store and resource. Keep reading the forum and researching.

Thankyou! I'll have a look.

Last thing, at what point would you say the ammonia is too high during my CUC in cycle? Just so I know if what the LFS has told me is nonsense.

 

[Tahoe61]

Get yourself an Ammonia badge that you install in the tank. Just monitor the level and if it's creeping up consistently do a water change and add Microbactor7 or Fluval Cycle per directions, both Bacteria in a bottle products.

 

[BryanM]

I'd read that guide Tahoe61 linked.

I'd also be inclined to start over if it were me, just because I doubt I could wait out the fallow period.... but that's me.

 

[theuksnoobreefer]

I'd read that guide Tahoe61 linked.

I'd also be inclined to start over if it were me, just because I doubt I could wait out the fallow period.... but that's me.

I would have started over if I didn't have CUC. I'm happy to wait out the 70 days if it means saving the CUC.

Don't think I can justify the cost again ha.

 

[theuksnoobreefer]

Thanks mate! I already have a seachem alert but not sure if I trust its accuracy 100%.

 

[ScottJ]

You are supporting the shrimp and cuc, so it's all good! Just make sure they get something to eat, but not too much :) Do your water change each week and you should be good to go. In a while, you could consider an easy coral or two like a zoa. Maybe even look into making it an invert tank. That could be really interesting.

 

[theuksnoobreefer]

You are supporting the shrimp and cuc, so it's all good! Just make sure they get something to eat, but not too much :) Do your water change each week and you should be good to go. In a while, you could consider an easy coral or two like a zoa. Maybe even look into making it an invert tank. That could be really interesting.

I’ll continue doing what I am doing, and hopefully in 70 long days I’ll be able to finally introduce fish.