New to saltwater tank problems with clownfish

[EmDown]

Hi! I’m brand new to a saltwater tank. I lost one clownfish due to aggression and one to what we think was brook. (So a little traumatized ) Currently in my 20 gallon tank I have 1 clownfish, 1 diamond goby, 1 cleaner shrimp, 2 zombie snails, and 2 astraea snails. My clown that’s in the tank currently was in there with the clown that’s passed to what we thought was brook

(this was about 1 week ago) no issues with the current clown until today. Moderate to severe rapid breathing. He is still eating and swimming as normal. Just curious if I need to be concerned with the breathing. I think I’m more anxious from losing the last clown.

My salinity is 1.023
Ammonia 0
Nitrites 0
Nitrates 5
Temp 80

I appreciate any help and input! My local fish store wasn’t concerned since he’s eating well! I hope I’m just overly concerned and dramatic!

Thank you!!

 

[Fish Fan]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

I'm sorry for your troubles. We do have a #fishmedic crew that may be able to help you here

Best of luck going forward!

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Hi! I’m brand new to a saltwater tank. I lost one clownfish due to aggression and one to what we think was brook. (So a little traumatized ) Currently in my 20 gallon tank I have 1 clownfish, 1 diamond goby, 1 cleaner shrimp, 2 zombie snails, and 2 astraea snails. My clown that’s in the tank currently was in there with the clown that’s passed to what we thought was brook

(this was about 1 week ago) no issues with the current clown until today. Moderate to severe rapid breathing. He is still eating and swimming as normal. Just curious if I need to be concerned with the breathing. I think I’m more anxious from losing the last clown.

My salinity is 1.023
Ammonia 0
Nitrites 0
Nitrates 5
Temp 80

I appreciate any help and input! My local fish store wasn’t concerned since he’s eating well! I hope I’m just overly concerned and dramatic!

Thank you!!

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

Were these wild clowns? They look to be. Ask your LFS to see if they know. I stopped buying wild ocellaris clowns years ago because the rate of them developing Brooklynella was too high, and it is pretty difficult to cure.

I can't tell how much aeration is in the tank (air bubbles, not just circulation). If there isn't enough, you should add an air stone to help with the rapid breathing.

I see a lot of little particles in the water, any idea what those are?

 

[EmDown]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

Were these wild clowns? They look to be. Ask your LFS to see if they know. I stopped buying wild ocellaris clowns years ago because the rate of them developing Brooklynella was too high, and it is pretty difficult to cure.

I can't tell how much aeration is in the tank (air bubbles, not just circulation). If there isn't enough, you should add an air stone to help with the rapid breathing.

I see a lot of little particles in the water, any idea what those are?

Thank you!

They are captive bred! I had an air stone in and was told to take it out with it being a smaller tank and salt creep. Should I add one back in?

The particles are mysis shrimp I took the picture and video shortly after a feeding (silly on my end!)

Thank you again!

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Thank you!

They are captive bred! I had an air stone in and was told to take it out with it being a smaller tank and salt creep. Should I add one back in?

The particles are mysis shrimp I took the picture and video shortly after a feeding (silly on my end!)

Thank you again!

Yes - add the air stone back, but that may not totally solve the issue. It will help with the rapid breathing a bit, even if it is from another cause.

 

[EmDown]

I’ll try that!! I’ve also been told a wave maker could help with that as well? Would one be better than the other?

 

[EmDown]

I’ll try that!! I’ve also been told a wave maker could help with that as well? Would one be better than the other?

Yes - add the air stone back, but that may not totally solve the issue. It will help with the rapid breathing a bit, even if it is from another cause.

Also can you tell me what this is a type of algae?

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

For a wave maker to aerate well, the content needs to break the water’s surface and make bubbles. Air stones work better at that.

I’m not sure about the algae, could be dinoflagellates.

I’ll try that!! I’ve also been told a wave maker could help with that as well? Would one be better than the other?


Also can you tell me what this is a type of algae?