Why have my clown fish died?

Reef_scuba · Dec 28, 2016

Hey everyone!

I have a 30 litre tank, all my equipment is new and working temp 78° and salinity 1.024 and other levels all fine! Even went to my local pet store and had it all retested! I have live rock with a few hitch hikers but they have all been ID'ed and are friendly. I have had the fish for 2 weeks and are the only fish in the tank.. they had already sorted out their dominance issues and got along brilliantly! Until late last night they were absolutely fine but I woke up this morning to them both dead.. being up late and then up early this must of happened quickly..

Talking things over with my local Aquatics I came to the thought that I Polished the tank lid about mid day and may of put it on the wrong way round.. meaning the condensation is dripping the polish into the water. I now have a bag of carbon hanging in the tank and the man in the store said this is all I can do and let it cycle for a week? Please any advise would be great, I am a complete newbie to this and feel like I have made a horrible mistake that I really dont want to do again!

On a side note how long can I store ready made salt water and RO water?

Thank you all in advance!

Montu · Dec 28, 2016

I'm a noob my self but if you fear you got something in the water I would do as large a water change as you can, no need to worry about the nitrifying bacteria, it lives on your surfaces like glass rock etc..

The carbon would also help (in addition to the water change)

Ready made salt water can be kept for quite a while as long as you keep it flowing with a power head.

No worries with RO water afaik

Humblefish · Dec 28, 2016

Doing a large WC and running carbon for a week should help remove the contaminant. In the future, don't use any household cleaners, bug sprays, etc. anywhere near your aquarium. Even scented candles can create issues.

Agree with @Montu about SW & RO water.

melypr1985 · Dec 28, 2016

Yup. Agreed. Never use any chemicals near your tank. If you want to clean something tank-related then use vinegar and rinse very well. This is the safest way to clean tank parts.

Large water changes and carbon are your friend right now. Good luck hun!

Reef_scuba · Dec 29, 2016

Thank you all so much! Just wanted to know if I am doing enough to make sure my tank is safe again! I will do a big water change today, thanks again!

I also ask about the water quality as I done only a litre change the same day and wondered if the water was too old but seems as if it was definitely the polish :/ poor fish!

Thanks!

melypr1985 · Dec 29, 2016

Reef_scuba said:
On a side note how long can I store ready made salt water and RO water?

I've stored saltwater in a sealed 5 gallon jug for a week with no problems.

AcanSkywalker · Dec 29, 2016

Pick up a Incomparable Poly Filter, they're great for removing contaminates, and won't leach anything back into your tank.

rvlcf · Dec 31, 2016

In terms of saltwater storage, I have found it best to make/mix saltwater for a water change and then use it that day. I have mixed extra salt water in the past and kept it flowing via powerhead. I found that the alk dropped significantly after a day or 2. If you want to store excess saltwater I would test it upon completion of mixing, then test again before your next water change. If you are getting precipitation of elements don't store your water.
I know this doesn't happen to everyone, but it did to me. i would keep an eye on it.