Made the switch

I recently changed my 36 gallon FW over to a SW. I have several large live rocks in it. It's been running for over 3 weeks now. I started with 3 Green Chromis and now have only 2. I have a peppermint shrimp that likes to hide. My sand is turning brown which I think is do to the cycling. I bought another Chromins and all it does is stay in the top left corner of my tank above the heater and the pump. My other Chromis is stting almost directly on top of the live rock and not moving much.
Is this all normal or did I add fish too soon. I did wait over two weeks to put any in. I actually had one of the algea eating crabs too, but he died after a couple days.
My levels are all where they are suppossed to be and the temp is 79. I don't have a protein skimmer as the LFS told me I did not need one for my size tank and the fact that it was only going to be a FOWLR tank.
What am I doing wrong or is this all part of the change over that I should expect. My LFS could not give me advice as they said I was doing everything correct.
Any advise or comments would be great!

 

If the other fish don't last try one or two damsels next time. Keep an eye on the nitrate levels and if they start to rise I would get a protein skimmer. Did you check the ammonia/nitrite/nitrate throughout the last three weeks?

 

Nitrate/Nitrite and amonia have all been fine. I was thinking of getting a protein skimmer anyways. It wouldn't hurt right?

 

Hello and welcome to 3reef

 

Welcome to 3reef

 

You should use a skimmer if you're keeping anything toher than fish, for sure.

Also, "just fine" isn't really good for us to help you with. We need to know numbers.

And welcome to 3Reef!

 

Use a skimmer man, even if its a cheap coralife 65 skimmer (which by the way does a grate job and did for me for 3 years). Why did you start out with expensive fish man? Should of got a damsel first.

 

For those of you joining us that are new to the hobby - the best piece of advice you'll get around here as a saltwater newbie is 3Reef's slogan
"Go slow, let it grow."
And for those experianced hobbyists joining us - it's still good advice
good luck and post pics soon


Question for ya, when it was a fresh water tank did you ever medicate the tank with a copper based medication?

Here are a few threads for you to read, then come back and ask about anything you still don't understand. we'll get you squared away and on the right path

http://www.3reef.com/forums/new-hobby/how-setup-saltwater-aquarium-89044.html

http://www.3reef.com/forums/new-hobby/ultimate-newbie-guide-86462.html

http://www.3reef.com/forums/reef-aquarium-articles-how-tos/all-about-sumps-filters-fuges-79852.html

http://www.3reef.com/forums/protein-skimmers/all-about-skimmers-skimmers-skimmer-85389.html

http://www.3reef.com/forums/general-reef-topics/handy-research-links-89299.html

 

This site is great! All the advice is great.
My LFS told me to start with the Chromis as they are suppossed to be more forgiving.
When it was a fresh water tank I never medicated with anything copper based.
Nitrate and Nitrite are 0, amonia is around 1.0

 

well there is your answer...your ammonia should be at 0 before you add anymore fish.