New - Need Help!

[nb6782]

Hi everyone,

I have a 120 gallon saltwater tank and all my fish are now breathing very, very fast.

Every level is perfect and the salinity is perfect.

A Flagfin Angelfish has died. the Puffer is laying on the sand, as is are my blue tangs.

I have no idea what the problem could be!!!

 

[fishguy242]

hi welcome to the reef, let's get some expert help here.. :)
@Jay Hemdal @vetteguy53081

 

[PeterC99]

Welcome to R2R!

How long has your aquarium been setup?

 

[Fred2482]

Welcome! Is there good water flow in the tank? Any additive used? Any other signs or symptoms noticeable on the fish?

 

[Fish Think Pink]

Hi everyone,

I have a 120 gallon saltwater tank and all my fish are now breathing very, very fast.

Every level is perfect and the salinity is perfect.

A Flagfin Angelfish has died. the Puffer is laying on the sand, as is are my blue tangs.

I have no idea what the problem could be!!!

Welcome! Glad you joined.

Point your power heads to ensure you have water agitation at surface to get more oxygen down to your fish.

What are your water parameters and what changed? When did you first notice heavy breathing? Tank looks VERY clean - when did you finish cycle (ammonia> nitrite> nitrates)? Do you use RODI water to mix your salt? When was last water change (fishing for what changed :))

This is a good reference book type article on setting up tank, cycling, but without more info from you on age of tank, my first guess is you've got an ammonia problem:

The Supreme Guide To Setting Up A Saltwater Reef Aquarium

Introduction The marine environment is one of the most complex systems on the planet. The aquarium you are about to set up is only a tiny sliver of the vast ocean, but it is no where near simple. This task is going to take patience, a ton of...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[Cell]

Powerheads pointed to surface, add an air stone if you have it. Turn skimmer back on if off.

List full parameters when you can. Everything is not perfect so there must be something going on.

 

[Jay Hemdal]

Hi everyone,

I have a 120 gallon saltwater tank and all my fish are now breathing very, very fast.

Every level is perfect and the salinity is perfect.

A Flagfin Angelfish has died. the Puffer is laying on the sand, as is are my blue tangs.

I have no idea what the problem could be!!!

Welcome to Reef2Reef, sorry it couldn't have been under better circumstances!

You will need to move REALLY quickly here, in order to try to avoid additional fish loss.
The first quick assessment that can be done - does the tank have invertebrates and corals in it? Are they doing well? If so, then that would point you more to a fish disease, and less to a water quality problem.

Here is a link to the background information that we need to have before really being able to try and help:

Some Helpful Hints When Posting or Responding to Threads in the Fish Disease Treatment and Diagnosis Section

Aquarium Fish Disease Problem Solving Determining the best course of action for a problem with your aquarium can be a difficult task. Even advanced aquarists will often need to seek the help of others for complicated or unique issues. Our intent here on Reef 2 Reef is to offer expert advice...

www.reef2reef.com

Jay Hemdal

 

[nb6782]

Welcome to R2R!

How long has your aquarium been setup?

Tank a few months old, transferred from a smaller tank to larger.

 

[BroccoliFarmer]

Welcome to the R2R community!!

 

[nb6782]

Welcome! Glad you joined.

Point your power heads to ensure you have water agitation at surface to get more oxygen down to your fish.

What are your water parameters and what changed? When did you first notice heavy breathing? Tank looks VERY clean - when did you finish cycle (ammonia> nitrite> nitrates)? Do you use RODI water to mix your salt? When was last water change (fishing for what changed :))

This is a good reference book type article on setting up tank, cycling, but without more info from you on age of tank, my first guess is you've got an ammonia problem:

The Supreme Guide To Setting Up A Saltwater Reef Aquarium

Introduction The marine environment is one of the most complex systems on the planet. The aquarium you are about to set up is only a tiny sliver of the vast ocean, but it is no where near simple. This task is going to take patience, a ton of...

www.reef2reef.com

Heavy breathing started last night, no changes.

RO water mixed by Tideline here in town.

Water change was about 7 days ago, 20%

All are 0 on Ammonia, Nitrites.

 

[nb6782]

Welcome to Reef2Reef, sorry it couldn't have been under better circumstances!

You will need to move REALLY quickly here, in order to try to avoid additional fish loss.
The first quick assessment that can be done - does the tank have invertebrates and corals in it? Are they doing well? If so, then that would point you more to a fish disease, and less to a water quality problem.

Here is a link to the background information that we need to have before really being able to try and help:

Some Helpful Hints When Posting or Responding to Threads in the Fish Disease Treatment and Diagnosis Section

Aquarium Fish Disease Problem Solving Determining the best course of action for a problem with your aquarium can be a difficult task. Even advanced aquarists will often need to seek the help of others for complicated or unique issues. Our intent here on Reef 2 Reef is to offer expert advice...

www.reef2reef.com

Jay Hemdal

Hi Jay,

Fish only, live rock. No corals.

 

[nb6782]

Heavy breathing started last night, no changes.

RO water mixed by Tideline here in town.

Water change was about 7 days ago, 20%

All are 0 on Ammonia, Nitrites.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Sadly to say- You are using API kit which is notorious for false readings and your levels are higher than shown and may be part of problem. Water change and addition of air stone would be first recourse

 

[nb6782]

Sadly to say- You are using API kit which is notorious for false readings and your levels are higher than shown and may be part of problem. Water change and addition of air stone would be first recourse

Ahh, ok.

What test kit and air stone would you recommend?

 

[FiddlersReef]

Welcome! Hope you can figure out what's going on. Lots of good people here.

 

[G Santana]

Welcome aboard and God luck.
I have to second your test kit choice may not be the best.

Plenty of solid advice above.
Good luck with your tank!!!

Salifert test kits are solid.

HANNA for Phosphates and Alkalinity are solid state of the art testers

 

[thatone08]

Welcome!

 

[vetteguy53081]

 

[G0f1sh]

Welcome. And what’s your temperature?

 

[KJ]

Welcome to R2R!!!