problem

so everyone knows I have been battling a high nitrate problem, well I think my blenny may be on it's way out. after feeding last night he disappeared which is not like him. My worst fear is that he's gonna die in a rock where I can't find him, this is the last thing I need...an ammonia spike and added nitrates as I am just making progress.

I thought I would ask prior to this occuring. What am I to do if he dies and I can't get him out?

 

Don't worry about it.

You have LR in the tank. Even if some Ammonia is produced by bacteria digesting the fish, the Nitrification process is EXTREMELY quick and other bacteria will immediately come to your rescue. A little scooter dragonet is going to be picked clean in 5 minutes by all of the crabs you have. Now, if the tang died, I would have different advice.

 

Well the only reason why I am worrying is because my nitrates were really high at 80ppm and I have gotten them down to 30ppm so I am getting concerned that any other issues may cause my tank to go caputs. Well I guess I have to hope that the hermies will clean it up. I have to get more hermits once my tank has gone back to normal. thanks for the help.

 

Nemo79, have you tried another nitrate test kit?
Also as inwall75 pointed out, don't worry about it if your fish dies and you can't remove it. I had a big Tang die a few months ago and couldn't find it or even get to it behind my rock work without creating more problems with my coral growth and position. Long story short, I had not detrimental effects with regards to my livestock or elevated water parameter dangers! Your Bacteria as well as other filter feeders etc. should break it down naturally and pretty quickly without any ill effects!