HELP! I just knocked out all my fish!

[susanandrus]

Hi - I have a 29 gallon Biocube saltwater with additional Eheim filtration. I have two seahorses and three gobies, a firefish and dottyback, and some nice corals. Everything has been FINE until tonight. I noticed that all the fish are stressed, two lying upside down on the bottom, the others breathing rapidly, the seahorses floating around like drunk. So, what could I have done? the only thing tonight was I did a water change - not much only about 5 gallons, but I used purchased seawater, new saltwater from a sealed container. But when I (stupidly) tested the salinity AFTER changing, there is quite a difference, and I think my little tank has been getting saltier over the past few weeks and I forgot to test it. All other water parameters are fine.

So, is there anything I can do to help the fish? I already added some salt to the tank, but didnt want to do too much. I'm new at this - the tank is four months old, and has been very healthy, especially after adding the big Eheim filter (the trickle supplied was just not doing enough and the debris was ridiculous)

any suggestions? Cheers, Susan

[Pamelajo]

Hopefully someone be along shortly to help.
Just wanted to say HI and Welcome.

[Shelley]

HI
Ive never heard of bottled saltwater being sold? What is the salinity of the water in the bottle? And what do you keep your tank at?

A 5 gallon water change on a 29 gallon tank is pretty big so its REALLY important you match the temperature and the salinity. Water evaporates daily.. but the salt stays.. making your water saltier and saltier.. you have to add freshwater daily to compensate.

Never ever add the dry salt mix to your tank. It needs to be mixed in a container and aged a little bit.. overnight is good.

Slowly adjust your salinity to match what it was when everything was doing ok. I keep mine at 1.025 and everything is happy.

Good luck and keep us updated.. Shelley

[Slipstream]

Sounds like they need may need more air as well. Try adding an air pump and an air stone to the tank. :)
Good Luck.

[~ocean]

First check your air condition, if there is enough oxygen. Also check for clorine, which will drive marine life crazy.

hope this helps!

[Melody]

The thread is over a year old, I think the issue has probably been resolved one way or another :wink: .