Help!!

[krpro2006]

I have a 75 gal tank that has been going for about 3 months now. After 1 month, I introduced a live rock to the system. My water clarity is great. My 1 fish is thriving...I tried to add 3 newbies...I had an existing Chromie..tried to add 1 new one, a clown, and a firefish. The firefish was tormented from day 1 and died...the others seemed to get along well...but came home one day and they're no where to be found...assumed eaten. No evidence. I plan on taking the Chromie back and introducing 4 new fish all at once.
Here's my problem.... My live rock has begun showing these (white pollup looking) things on it. like 10-15 of them...They are smaller then a q-tip head but similar in look.
What am I dealing with here??
Thanks for any help!
Keith

 

[SeaBee]

Can you post a picture of the things? Also, what are your other water parameters? Temp, salinity, nitrates, etc.

A picture would really help.

 

[krpro2006]

Here's a close up...Water OK based on what I've been told

 

[krpro2006]

Not sure if you got my other responses... But here is a closeup. Water ok based on last check. All levels the same as they were.

 

[AdeptMrSniffles]

+1 on the pic.

Also, I highly recommend that you DO NOT add 4 fish all at once. That would most likely kick you tank into another cycle. You need to add fish slowly, atleast 2 weeks between fish, to help your tank adjust to the bioload.

 

[little_fish]

I cant see the pic, but im sure they are q-tip sponges, totally fine and harmless.

Can you post your actual parameters, we often find what is fine to one person is not to someone who is really know the reef stuff.

Also, firefish are pretty wimpy and im not surprised it was bullied to death.

Also, how long did you have new additions before they died? I could have been from bulling but i suspect they died because you caused your tank to cycle again from adding so many new fish.

That being said, you should not go out and add 4 new fish, that will most likely end the same way.

You should only be adding one fish every 3 weeks because you need the bacteria populations to grow to handle the new waste before you add more onto to the point where it overwhelms the system and the toxins get out of control.

Also, how is your flow in your tank? Do you have good enough gas exchange?

Why dont you fill out all of these questions and we can get down to the bottom of why your fish died.


PARAMETERS (important)
Temperature:
PH:
Ammonia:
Nitrite:
Nitrate:
Salinity:
dKH/KH/Alkalinity:
Magnesium:
Calcium:
Phosphate:
Test kits you own:
Liquid or Strips:
Brand Name:
Are they Expired?:


Tank size?
Estimated total system?

Reef, fish only or, freshwater?

Current inhabitants? What and how many?
Clean up crew?

How long has your tank been set-up?

Substrate.
Type?
Depth?

Live rock?
How much?
Did you recently add some?

Filtration.
Type?
Protein skimmer?
Do you wet or dry skim?
Maintenance schedule for filtration?
Drilled tank/hang on back overflow?
Sump/refugium. What's in it and how much?
Macro? What kind?

Lighting.
Lighting type?
Age of bulbs?

Feeding
What?
How much?
How often?

Water change schedule.
How much?
How often?
What salt brand?
Water source?

 

[krpro2006]

Well..I get that..but my concern is that they won't all play well in the sandbox together again... I think that my Chromie got too protective...having been the only fish for a few weeks..no?
Do you have any recommendations on fish that won't get so territorial?

 

[SeaBee]

I have had several chromis and they are very easy going fish. I dont think I ever even heard of a mean chromis. besides, your tank sounds big enough for a chromis.

Check a few water parameters and post them. How about the salinity and temerature for a start? That should be quick and easy. Also, what are you using to test the salinity with?

 

[little_fish]

It doesnt matter how well they all play together if they are dead from other reasons.

But here are few peaceful fish that would do well together.
Saltwater Aquarium Fish for Marine Aquariums: Kaudern's Cardinal - Tank-Bred
Spotted Cardinalfish
Saltwater Aquarium Fish for Marine Aquariums: Firefish
Saltwater Aquarium Fish for Marine Aquariums: Zebra Barred Dartfish
Saltwater Aquarium Fish for Marine Aquariums: Diamond Watchman Sand Sifter Goby
Saltwater Aquarium Fish for Marine Aquariums: Midas Blenny

But chromis are really pretty peaceful, are you sure you dont have a damsel? Because those are mean evil suckers and i can totally believe he has killed everything off.

 

[krpro2006]

@little_fish..
Thanks..As I'm new to tanks..but not to fish (as I'm an experienced underwater photographer)...I will go get a test kit. I've been bringing my water in to be tested.Thanks for all the questions...I will do my homework and get back to you with the exact conditions..Youve given me a ton to work with..
For starters..
Tank 75..guessing 78-80 total.
Have an overflow..
Sump.
Protien skim in the sump
Instant Ocean to start water...Adding water every 2-3 days gal and a half or so
Started with live sand and rock...added a live rock w/ the intention of having it spread..(?? barking up wrong tree here?) Heres a pic of set up..

Feeding once a day...
Temp at 75-77..
I havent cleaned filter yet..thought it needed to build up some bacteria..I have flushed the top filter 1x since I strted because I thought it was clogged.
I now have a Chromie in there seems to be thriving..He's been in since day 1 of month 2. I let the tank cycle for a month before adding.
I'm trying like hell to get this thing going (for the kids sake)...ANY and ALL advise is greatly appreciated incl what fish to add next.
I do think I need to get rid of the Chromie...

 

[krpro2006]

using a coral life specific gravity tester

 

[little_fish]

? is that a brand of hydrometer? Because i have never heard of that before.

 

[krpro2006]

Yes it is...and (Please)..How can I add pics so you can see my set up?

 

[little_fish]

the easiest way is to up load them to a place like photobucket and then click the button that looks like a picture. That will bring up another box that you insert the direct link into, hit enter and then it adds it to the post with the proper coding.

Also, hydrometers can be wildly inaccurate. Plus they go bad after 6 months. I hight suggest you get a refractometer, they wont go bad and are far more accurate.