Why did my clownfish die?

[swilson]

I have a 20g tank that is a little over a month old, we have live substrate and live rock, we added 2 clowns in about 2 weeks ago and found them both dead this morning. Tested the water and everything came back within range and the temp is fine. Both looked fine when we went to bed, both ate and swam around.

Found them at the bottom of the tank covered in bristle worms so no chance to look at them before they were being eaten. We are very new to this so any help would be great!

 

[blaxsun]

Was the tank completely cycled? Without more details or parameters (flow, filtration, tank details, etc.) I don't think anyone could even hazard a guess at this point.

 

[swilson]

Was the tank completely cycled? Without more details or parameters (flow, filtration, tank details, etc.) I don't think anyone could even hazard a guess at this point.

Completely cycled, filter and pump running, heater working and all water tests within parameters. Nothing new introduced into the tank, had the pair for 2 weeks prior.

Any guesses would be helpful

 

[Idech]

How do you have so many bristle worms after only a month ?

 

[blecki]

Was it fully cycled 2 weeks ago?

Surface agitation, skimmer, airstone?

Pictures also help.

 

[ZWesley]

If parameters are ok, what about something you can’t test for. Any use of sprays or other non-discriminatory cleaners near the tank?

 

[swilson]

How do you have so many bristle worms after only a month

Was it fully cycled 2 weeks ago?

Surface agitation, skimmer, airstone?

Pictures also help.

I'm guessing the worms came through the live substrate as eggs.

It was fully cycled prior to the fish going in 2 weeks ago. Both a filter and pump running the entire time.