Dont know what I did wrong...now they're both dead!

Oh yes, I had the airpump installed, as to the water flow I dont know if it has to be in a certain kind of way but it was like a circular movement up to just under the middle of the tank (does that make sense?).
I was assured that the fishes were born in captivity and I made sure the ornaments I had all had little cavities for them to hide in- you know, Spongebob's house, Squidwards house and so on- please dont laugh, these were my sons orders!
Listen everybody, I really really appreciate your help and opinions, I guess I was a bit wrong in almost everything....

 

as long as its oxygenated it should be ok,
remember just take your time don't try to do too much at once .

 

Thank you so much, i guess I did get a bit overexcited with this....

 

You will find on this site that the people are extremely knowledgeable and they will save you money and time by following their directions. (I am not including myself in that as I am just getting back into the game and many things have changed).

You said you already added live sand but how much?

For Fish only tank I was informed to use 1 to 1.5lbs LR per Gallon and if doing a reef tank do 1.5 to 2lbs live rock.

When you add your live rock leave the lights off until the tank is cycled it will help control algae bloom. This was information I was also given from others on 3reef.

Just do yourself a favor and before you act on any urges (as we all have done) post your thought and you won't regret it.

Just be patient it will all come together in time.

CA

 

I am sorry but I still had to laugh about the spongbob house.

 

live rock is the way to go, like everyone has said there is no substiute for live rock. and curing a tank correctly. there could also be something in the water that you are not testing for that killed the fish. I have lost a tank to copper in water when i was a newbie. If your water is that bad out there you may want to move to RO water.
and dont feel to bad about lossing some fish, i got a $100 blue spotted jaw fish for my bday and it was dead in less then a week...

good luck

 

Well, I guess in the new tank Spongebob's presence wont be felt..my master will be very dissapointed!!!
By the way, if I buy cured rock from an established tank, how long will I let is cycle for? Is there a rough guideline?

 

just follow your parameters they will tell you but if you get it from a tank that is setup upon buying they cycle will be very short a couple days. if the rock seems dirty when you get it i would shake it in a bucket of saltwater a couple times until the water is clear after the shaking. alot of dirt can build up on rocks in a aquarium over time.

 

Welcome to 3Reef ria_nygr,

Just wanted to say Hi..
I have kin folk up in Derry ...

Good Luck, Larry