My First Quarantine Tank

[goldenmean]

Sunday afternoon I Wiped off all pvc pipes and rinsed out plastic plants and sponges in tank water. Then I did a 75% WC. I also sent leebca a pm to get her advice on what to do next. Patiently waiting for some more advice.

Anyone else have some ideas what I need to do to prepare the QT for the next fish???

[leebca]

Very sorry to hear the news.

The rather 'sudden' passing of a marine fish whether it is in quarantine or finally in the display has most often been associated with the fish not fully acclimating to its new captive life.

It is most likely this. The behavior of the fish previous to this event has me thinking that it was not doing too well at adjusting to the captive life. Hanging at the top or exposed in the corner is not the usual behavior of a new fish. However, the fish was eating and I was hoping with your care and attention, the fish would come around.

The other possibility is a chronic poisoning, with nitrites being at the top of the list. I'm unsure why your nitrite test results is showing anything at all at this stage of the setup. Are you sure the test you are using has not gone out of date? Are you sure you are using it properly? It is a test kit and not a dip stick, right?

Let the QT sit a couple of days, then it is ready for your next fish. Do not wipe anything that is inside the tank. Change half of the filter material if you wish. All surfaces contain your biological filtration bacteria and you don't wish to lose them.

[goldenmean]

Lee,
Thank you so very much for your time and wisdom.
I really appreciate your help.

Opus did alway stay in that front corner or the back corner above the box filter. He also liked the back corner of the tank at the LFS but he did have a hidey hole in some LR in that tank.

Yes I am using test KIT. Seachem is the brand that I got from Marine Depot. In fact I got new nitrite and nitrate test after the fish was in QT as I had run out of nitrite regent. I will get another brand test kit before I add another fish just to make sure it was not chronic nitIte poisoning and my test kit is not accurate

[goldenmean]

I ordered elos ammonia and nitrIte test kits. I still have some elos nitrAte kit left that is not near the expiration date. They should arrive on Monday so I will have a second testing kit for NH3 and NO2.

[goldenmean]

The new LFS around the corner from me has a Long Nose Hawk Fish. I was there on Wednesday and they are holding the fish for me.
I will be picking up the lil guy late this afternoon after work.
QT and I are all ready for another try!

[BarbMazz]

Originally Posted by goldenmean

The new LFS around the corner from me has a Long Nose Hawk Fish. I was there on Wednesday and they are holding the fish for me.
I will be picking up the lil guy late this afternoon after work.
QT and I are all ready for another try!

Oooh ooh ooh... I was waiting for this post.. sending the smoothest vibes and the calmest intentions your way Jeff. Can't wait to see him!

[goldenmean]

Thanks Barb!
I can feel that from here so I am sure the soon-to-be new fish can too.
I am going to teach him Ohmmmmmmmm tonight.

[BarbMazz]

You tell him Aunty Barb said "wherever you go, there you are. Everything is a-okay, fishy".

[goldenmean]

The fish and Barb and I are one. (Insert Buddha smilie here)

[goldenmean]

The Long Nose Hawk fish is home!
He is floating in the bag in the QT right now.

[BarbMazz]

Okay, fishy. Aunty Barb is sending really good thoughts. What a nice new home you have!

[goldenmean]

He is still floating but I stole a couple of pics.

Bag water is at 1.021
I keep my tanks at 1.026 but I tested QT and SG was at 1.027.
I did a big water change last night and did not adjust for evaporation.
I brought the QT down to 1.025 so the fish will have a bit less of an adjustment.

Using a Turkey baster with measurements on the side I am adding a 1/2 oz QT water to the bag every 5 minutes. After the bag fills I will remove some of the bag water and continue adding QT water.

[BarbMazz]

I think if fish can look relaxed that is the look they have. He/she looks really good, Jeff! Keep drippin' that water.

[goldenmean]

The Long Nose made it though the night.
He is a little guy
This morning he was exploring all of the tank.
I added 3 mysis shrimp but they floated to the bottom. A few minutes they were gone so I added some more and he ate away.

I am thinking of naming him Durante - after Jimmy Durante.
If you are too young to know who Jimmy Durante was google him and you will know why the name is fitting.

[BarbMazz]

He is beautiful! Eating is good. Swimming around is good. Durante is good. All is good! Aunty Barb is pleased.