New Tank Concerns

[JayJay26]

Hi everyone, I have 2 issues i need some advise on.

I’m experiencing a persistent bacterial bloom in my 75L RedSea nano reef tank and could use some advice. Here are the details of my setup and current situation:

• Tank Size: 75L nano reef
• Cycle Status: Cycle completed two weeks ago
• Livestock: Fish have been in the tank for two weeks (seem healthy and active apart from one), along with 2x peppermint shrimp, 2x hermit crabs, and 3x snails
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: Stable between 25-27°C (77-81°F)
  • Salinity: Stable at 1.024
  • Ammonia: 0 ppm
  • Nitrites: 0 ppm
  • Nitrates: 20 ppm
  • pH: 8.2
• Equipment: Running a protein skimmer and ensuring plenty of surface agitation

Issue 1: Persistent Bacterial Bloom​

Despite good water parameters and stable conditions, the bacterial bloom hasn’t cleared up. The water remains cloudy, and this has been ongoing for over two weeks now. I’ve tried:

• Regular small water changes (10-15%)
• Avoiding overfeeding
• Ensuring all equipment is clean and functioning properly

The fish and other inhabitants don’t seem stressed, and oxygen levels appear fine due to surface agitation. I’m hesitant to do a large water change since I’ve read it could destabilize the tank further.

I’m wondering:

1. Is this normal for a newly cycled tank, and should I just wait it out?
2. Would adding a UV sterilizer help in this situation?
3. Are there any other steps I should take to clear the bloom?

Issue 2: Odd Behavior in One Fish​

I’m also concerned about one of my clownfish, which has been exhibiting unusual behavior:

• Breathing heavily
• Not as surface gasping for air
• Not at the bottom of the tank
• No visual signs of spots or issues with gills
• Stayed in one spot for a few days but is now moving back up to the top near the pump (they have hosted this) to sleep
• Was eating initially but has stopped eating recently
• Was swimming around, active and eating in the first week

The other clownfish appears perfectly fine and is showing no signs of stress. The affected fish’s behavior has gradually become more concerning, especially with the loss of appetite.

Could this be related to the bacterial bloom or something else? Should I isolate the affected fish or take other measures to address its condition?

Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[*GAREEF*]

Hi everyone, I have 2 issues i need some advise on.

I’m experiencing a persistent bacterial bloom in my 75L RedSea nano reef tank and could use some advice. Here are the details of my setup and current situation:

• Tank Size: 75L nano reef
• Cycle Status: Cycle completed two weeks ago
• Livestock: Fish have been in the tank for two weeks (seem healthy and active apart from one), along with 2x peppermint shrimp, 2x hermit crabs, and 3x snails
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: Stable between 25-27°C (77-81°F)
  • Salinity: Stable at 1.024
  • Ammonia: 0 ppm
  • Nitrites: 0 ppm
  • Nitrates: 20 ppm
  • pH: 8.2
• Equipment: Running a protein skimmer and ensuring plenty of surface agitation

Issue 1: Persistent Bacterial Bloom​

Despite good water parameters and stable conditions, the bacterial bloom hasn’t cleared up. The water remains cloudy, and this has been ongoing for over two weeks now. I’ve tried:

• Regular small water changes (10-15%)
• Avoiding overfeeding
• Ensuring all equipment is clean and functioning properly

The fish and other inhabitants don’t seem stressed, and oxygen levels appear fine due to surface agitation. I’m hesitant to do a large water change since I’ve read it could destabilize the tank further.

I’m wondering:

1. Is this normal for a newly cycled tank, and should I just wait it out?
2. Would adding a UV sterilizer help in this situation?
3. Are there any other steps I should take to clear the bloom?

Issue 2: Odd Behavior in One Fish​

I’m also concerned about one of my clownfish, which has been exhibiting unusual behavior:

• Breathing heavily
• Not as surface gasping for air
• Not at the bottom of the tank
• No visual signs of spots or issues with gills
• Stayed in one spot for a few days but is now moving back up to the top near the pump (they have hosted this) to sleep
• Was eating initially but has stopped eating recently
• Was swimming around, active and eating in the first week

The other clownfish appears perfectly fine and is showing no signs of stress. The affected fish’s behavior has gradually become more concerning, especially with the loss of appetite.

Could this be related to the bacterial bloom or something else? Should I isolate the affected fish or take other measures to address its condition?

Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help!

How long has your system been up and running for?

 

[JayJay26]

How long has your system been up and running for?

Finished the cycle 2 weeks ago, have had 2 clowns in there since. So probably 6 weeks total

 

[*GAREEF*]

#fishmedic

 

[*GAREEF*]

The cloudiness is just likely from being a newly established tank.
Every time you are doing a water change you are slowing down the process in such a new tank.
Your water parameters seem fine. Try to stabilize your temperature.
How long are your lights on everyday?
Someone will come along to help you diagnose your fish but I can discuss your system with you in the meantime.

 

[*GAREEF*]

If you could please tank a minute long video of the fish and post on youtube and then post the link here. It will help the fishmedic help you.
Take the video with white light no blue if possible and try to get it as clear as possible.

 

[JayJay26]

The cloudiness is just likely from being a newly established tank.
Every time you are doing a water change you are slowing down the process in such a new tank.
Your water parameters seem fine. Try to stabilize your temperature.
How long are your lights on everyday?
Someone will come along to help you diagnose your fish but I can discuss your system with you in the meantime.

Thank you. 6:30am with a 2 hour ramp up and then 2 hour ramp down at 4:30pm

 

[*GAREEF*]

Thank you. 6:30am with a 2 hour ramp up and then 2 hour ramp down at 4:30pm

Seems like a good schedule.

 

[*GAREEF*]

Thank you. 6:30am with a 2 hour ramp up and then 2 hour ramp down at 4:30pm

Did you add bacteria to cycle the tank or just started with fish? Is that live rock or dry rock?

 

[JayJay26]

Did you add bacteria to cycle the tank or just started with fish? Is that live rock or dry rock?

I added Dr tims ammonia and one and only. Also worth noting that I did add eco balance to the tank after the big water change I did after the cycle. It was cloudy before that though during the cycle so I don't know if that made things worse or not.

 

[*GAREEF*]

I added Dr tims ammonia and one and only. Also worth noting that I did add eco balance to the tank after the big water change I did after the cycle. It was cloudy before that though during the cycle so I don't know if that made things worse or not.

Check out my thread I started the same way as you. Your on the right path and hopefully your fish will be just fine and #fishmedic will help you with your fish.

 

[AydenLincoln]

Do you run carbon and do you use an RODI to make your saltwater?

 

[JayJay26]

If you could please tank a minute long video of the fish and post on youtube and then post the link here. It will help the fishmedic help you.
Take the video with white light no blue if possible and try to get it as clear as possible.

Video of cloudy water -

Video of clownfish --

 

[JayJay26]

Do you run carbon and do you use an RODI to make your saltwater?

Is I run carbon and I use RO water.

 

[*GAREEF*]

Video of cloudy water -

Video of clownfish --

I don’t think it’s quite an emergency yet but I am not a fishnedic

 

[Sharkbait19]

It seems like the biggest problem is the new tank. The bacterial bloom is somewhat common in new setups. It should go away with time - the heavy surface agitation is good.
As for the clown, it is breathing fast, but I personally would attribute it to stress at this point.
If it worsens or starts acting/looking off at all (swimming into flow, loss of appetite, change in appearance), I would be ready to treat.

 

[JayJay26]

Just an update on the clown. Not doing to well.

#fishmedic

 

[Sharkbait19]

I don’t see any obvious signs of any diseases. It’s breathing fast but I don’t see any other symptoms of velvet.
Have you noticed any aggression?

 

[JayJay26]

I don’t see any obvious signs of any diseases. It’s breathing fast but I don’t see any other symptoms of velvet.
Have you noticed any aggression?

She passed away 30 minutes ago. Not sure what it was but the other fish is doing just fine for now.

 

[Sharkbait19]

Sorry to hear. I still think this was an isolated incident, but keep an eye on the other fish. If you notice any changes, be prepared to quarantine and treat.