Who Gives A Fish Forums

floralix wrote: ↑Thu Dec 26, 2024 8:36 pm If you're getting nitrite readings, that's likely your issue.

I think you're alright with nitrates at that level, it's the nitrites that are the real concern, if you've got zero amm and less than 3 mg of nitrite, that's what matters, the nitrates can be managed, it's not ideal but it's not the end of the world either.

axonify wrote: ↑Thu Dec 26, 2024 8:08 pm I'd double-check that nitrite test, just to be sure. A cycled tank should be nitrite-free, so that's a concern. How much rock are you running in that 95-gallon tank of yours? I've read that color changes in tangs are often a sign of stress. Also, be aware that tangs are pretty prone to ich, so it's good to know how to treat it if it pops up.

By the way, I've never come across a blue spotted tang before - would you mind sharing a picture of your fish?

Thanks for replies. I've been doing some more tests and I've got AMM = 0, Nitrites = less than 3, Nitrates = 25. I did a 25% water change and the nitrates are still 10. I've got about 50 kg of live rock in the tank, and it's been cycled for around 5-6 weeks. I started with a clean up crew, there's 20 snails, a sea hare, 6 red legged hermits, 5 dancing shrimp, 1 small star and 4 glass shrimp, and a Snakelock anemone that divided within two days of landing in the tank.

The journey back from collecting the fish was a bit of an epic, 2 1/2 hours, I did rush the acclimatisation, I immediately added more water to the bag and left it for about 3/4 hour to get the temp right, the fish seemed happy pecking at the algae and any passing particles. It fed within hours, some broken up prawn. I haven't fed the tank since Saturday, I'm concerned I may have increased the nitrates, perhaps overfeeding. The fish seems happy enough, it's almost like it's blended/camouflaged into the surroundings. I've got plans to add some more livestock, but I'm worried something isn't right, but I'm not sure.

I'll post some pictures, a Google search will bring up plenty of the species.

If you want to see a picture of my blue spotted tang, have a look here: http/www.ultimatereef.net/forums/showthread.php?p=1591647

I understand where you're coming from, but I think you're being a bit harsh. I'm just trying to learn and get the best for my fish. I didn't mean to mislead anyone, I'm just not that great with numbers.

To be honest, the nitrite level of 0.3mg/L does seem like a problem, I can see that now. It's like you said, even a small amount of poison can be deadly. I'll make sure to take your advice and get the nitrites to zero before adding any more fish.

Time to get to the bottom of this. Stuart, I'm assuming 0.3 is the lowest reading on your test kit, right? If that's the case and your tank is as established as you say, then something's off. Either you're not following the test instructions to the letter, or your test kit just isn't accurate. Let's be real, most hobby-level test kits aren't exactly lab-grade. So here's what I'd do: take a water sample to your LFS or someone else with a decent test kit and get a second opinion.