Pasty's JBJ28 Haddoni Biotope--New Video (7.4.2014)

Scape actually looks very good just the way it is. You might consider moving the PH up in the tank, aim one to run behind the rocks and the one on the other side to aimed towards the front of the tank. That way you get a nice current going. By placing them higher you one reduce the problems with the sand blowing around, two you increase the surface agitation to promote gas exchange.

Regardless you are going to have to occasionally blow off detritus in areas where it collects and on the rocks, use a turkey baster.

 

You think my 8.2 pH is a little low? I assumed it was more towards the peak of what I should tolerate.

 

When you measure your pH you are going to get the lowest value in the am, prior to the lighting coming on and for a few hours afterward. The highest value will be in the pm and towards the end of the photoperiod. A pH of 8.2 is fine. (if you are running a fuge or sump on a reverse lighting schedule the above does not apply)

 

Ahhhh...I will measure my pH tomorrow morning and see how different it is. I've been testing in the afternoon towards the end of my lighting cycle.

 

I've been keeping a sharp eye on my parameters lately in preperation for the lifestock that will be joining my tank this weekend. All of my "important" parameters are OK.

Salinity 1.026
Temp - 77-80F
Amm - ~0
Nitrate - ~0
pH - ~8.2

Since I had the test, I went ahead and tested calcium. It was an astronomical 500. I do not think the API kit has Mag testing and I do not know my Alk levels but I have a feeling the low Mag might be my root cause. I have not really focused on these parameters as I do not house any corals so a lot of this is all new to me.

Advice? Ideas?

 

Ca of 500 will be fine, just make sure it goes no higher, and yeah try to get a magnesium and an alk level.

The source could come from your salt mix or your water. If it were me I would test a made up batch of water for Ca before you put it in the tank.

Live stock how exciting.

 

I'll test for alk tonight. I can't believe I have two test kits and neither has magneisum tests.

I'm going to test my WC water for Ca tonight and see if it's the salt.

The reason that prompted me to test was my lack of coraline growth. I had hoped to see the coraline on my LR expand but it really hasn't. Guess it's back to the search function and more reading for me

 

Picked up the fish yesterday and began the acclimation as soon as I got home. None of the fish showed signs of stress except for one. This prompted me to test ammonia levels and I found them to be very high. Keep in mind, these fish had only been in the bags for a few hours since delivery was inside the state. Since, all of the fish have eaten except for the stressed occ. clown. He/she is showing signs of ich and heavy breathing. I took the best possible picture I could of the one spot that was noticeable. This is the only fish that has not eaten yet but they have been in the tank less than 24 hours so I'm not ready to say it refuses to eat. Anyway, here are the pictures I snapped but I have not devoted a lot of time to pictures yet. Also, notice on the picture of firefish...have a look behind the fin/gills. I have not figured out what it is yet and I know it's not the best picture. I'll try and get a macro shot later today.

Acclimation


Firefish


White spot


Notice the ragged tail fin...not sure if it was like this before but it is worth noting.

 

Often times fire fish will show physical injury or scrapes from bolting into the rock work.

Now the clown look pretty bad unfortunately. The tattered fins and coloration are not a good sign. It could have been anything from bullying to a secondary bacterial infection from the stress of a primary parasite infection. Does not really look like typical ich to me. I would be more inclined to think Brookynella or Amyloodinium.

Good luck I hope he pulls through.

Did you buy these fish at the LFS?

 

Yes, I purchased all of the fish from a LFS that is about 3 hours away. They delivered to me same day.

Here is a shot of a parasite that was on the right side just behind the fin of the bigger firefish:

I have since removed it with a pair of tweezers and he/she seems to be doing alright...just ate a little.