I set up a quarantine tank last night, and the salt was not fully dissolved but when I looked at the fish, he was on his side, and appeared just about dead. Well anyway I put him into the tank, because I felt that was better than just letting it die. It broke my heart seeing the little guy gasping for air.
BUT: This morning not only was he alive, but when I fed him he actually ate! I went to the tank and took out the other little guy, who was hiding in a corner. But he was so lethergic that it was no trouble getting him into the tank. I think the two fish will be okay. I was amazed at how quickly they came back.
I also placed a piece of the good live rock into the new tank, to help with the water chemistry.
I am glad I listened to you all telling me to get the fish out of there. The snails and crabs will be going into the new tank in a few minutes, if I can find them. They are very good at hiding!
I took some tank water, diluted it fifty percent, then tested, and the reading was 4, so I AM at 8 ppm right now. The nitrites are starting to climb, I have not tested nitrates yet today. But I think the tank is starting to re-establish itself.
Bruce