mcquillian
Aquarium Advice Regular
I had a saltwater tank over 10 years ago when I lived in Los Angeles. The last earthquake out there ended this hobby . . .
For Christmas, my wife bought me a brand new Oceanic Systems 30 Gallon Cube Tank, Penguin 170 BIO - Wheel Power Filter, and Bio - Sand to help me get started. I have established a relationship with a knowledgable saltwater aquarist at my local Petco. I am in the process of trying to get my tank established with my first set of fish. This is what I have done so far:
1) I have had my water checked. It has proved to be acceptable.
2) I have purchased 5 small pink Damsels that have been in my tank since yesterday. At this point, I have lost one fish, with another one on the way to fish heaven.
The gentleman that I have been working with seems extremely knowledgable and informed me that I should expect to lose some fish during this beginning process. This is normal and part of the process of balancing out the tank.
I guess I have the following questions:
1) Is my story common?
2) What should I expect over the next several weeks?
3) How long should you leave "suffering fish" in the tank?
I have been visiting various web sites, and it seems that there are thousands of different ways to start your tank, and to be honest, I am a little overwhelmed. I understand that patience is one of the most important qualities you must possess - so I am trying to remain calm. Any help or advice you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time regarding this issue.
For Christmas, my wife bought me a brand new Oceanic Systems 30 Gallon Cube Tank, Penguin 170 BIO - Wheel Power Filter, and Bio - Sand to help me get started. I have established a relationship with a knowledgable saltwater aquarist at my local Petco. I am in the process of trying to get my tank established with my first set of fish. This is what I have done so far:
1) I have had my water checked. It has proved to be acceptable.
2) I have purchased 5 small pink Damsels that have been in my tank since yesterday. At this point, I have lost one fish, with another one on the way to fish heaven.
The gentleman that I have been working with seems extremely knowledgable and informed me that I should expect to lose some fish during this beginning process. This is normal and part of the process of balancing out the tank.
I guess I have the following questions:
1) Is my story common?
2) What should I expect over the next several weeks?
3) How long should you leave "suffering fish" in the tank?
I have been visiting various web sites, and it seems that there are thousands of different ways to start your tank, and to be honest, I am a little overwhelmed. I understand that patience is one of the most important qualities you must possess - so I am trying to remain calm. Any help or advice you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time regarding this issue.