I have had a single Percula Clown for about 7 months now. He started out in a 30 gal tank where he spent 4 months and was eating and acting normal. While I had him in this tank I was preparing a 110gallon aquarium that I plan on turning into a reef system. I setup the 110 gallon with a DIY overflow and trickle tower. I made sure to cure all silicone and pvc cements. I also did extensive reading on the proper plastics for use in saltwater aquarium. I also have an aqua clear 110 I've been running on this system sense day 1 of the cycle. I let this tank cycle for about a month and a half with live sand and am confident that the tank cycled and my diatoms were declining before adding him to the tank. My clown was doing very well until about 2 weeks ago in this new system. It was at that time I decided to try and pair my clownfish with a smaller percula. I went to the pet store and found a juvenile and brought it home. To acclimate him I floated the bag for a half hour. then drip acclimated him to my tank. At first the new fish stayed on the other side of the tank in one spot but then the two found each other and they became inseparable. They began feeding together and sleeping next to each other and I thought I was lucky enough to have an easy pairing. I tend to watch my fish tank closely when I'm home and I never noticed any aggression. Then one morning I woke up and found the smaller clown being thrown all around the tank by the current until resting on the bottom and dying! I quickly tried to help but it was too late and he died within minutes of me noticing. I took him out of the tank and inspected him but didn't see much more then a nip taken out of one of his fins. I didn't notice any color loss or spots. Because I hadn't had him for very long I took him back to the pet store and they gave me another and I went through the whole routine again. this time the clown I got was much bigger as they just pulled the healthiest/biggest looking clown and gave it to me without really talking with me about it at all. I wasn't really happy about this but I took him as a free replacement. Again at first he was doing well. But this fish died last night. I feel terrible and I don't want to lose anymore fish. Again I didn't notice any spots and this time I didn't see any wounds. The one thing that worries me is that he was stiff as a board in and out of the aquarium. I came downstairs at 3am to check on the fish and found him laying in the sand all fins extended. Just yesterday I noticed that he was swimming with his fins clamped and in one place slanted downward.
Now today I noticed my oldest clown has markings on him and he won't close his mouth. I've been up all night after 2 hours of sleep so I apologize if this is all hard to read. I'm trying my best to not hurt these fish and I really enjoy this hobby. if anyone can help me is greatly appreciate it.
I feed flakes.
Ammonia 0, Nitrites 0, Nitrates showing 0 on my saltwater test kit. PH 8.0.
Specific Gravity 1.025 with refractometer.
Temp 78 degrees.
Now today I noticed my oldest clown has markings on him and he won't close his mouth. I've been up all night after 2 hours of sleep so I apologize if this is all hard to read. I'm trying my best to not hurt these fish and I really enjoy this hobby. if anyone can help me is greatly appreciate it.
I feed flakes.
Ammonia 0, Nitrites 0, Nitrates showing 0 on my saltwater test kit. PH 8.0.
Specific Gravity 1.025 with refractometer.
Temp 78 degrees.