new fish behavior

[pho sho]

I just added two black percula to my recently cycled new tank. They are the only fish. They have been eating well over the last couple of days, but are not moving around the tank. They sit together in one spot on the right side swimming in the current. Is this just an acclimation issue or is there something more obviously wrong? chemistry is fine on the water. I also have a small torch coral in the tank.

 

[Herefishyfishy]

Not nearly enough info. Size of tank, decorations and live rock? How long it has been up? How it was cycled? Need specific water measurements including Ammonia, Nitrites, nitrates, salinity, temperature, how much water flow and from what, what and how often fed, etc.

 

[dailydriven911]

I also have a pair of b+w clowns and they pretty much stay to the left side of the tank and occasionally swim to the other side. I think this is normal behavior. Btw what does recently cycled tank mean?:lol: Need more info like Mike suggested...

 

[leebca]

Marine system is too young for fish. Read through this please:
Starting up a Marine Aquarium
and you can get more info from here:
The Mature Aquarium

 

[spongebob lover]

clowns don't move to much unless they have to ... which means food .

i'd read what Lee linked, he's always got some awesome info on fish dood .

 

[pho sho]

Thanks all for your assistance. The clowns seem to be fine and are eating well.

Lee - I appreciate the links to some great information.

I will, in the future, add the information needed to give an informed opinion. For now though:

salinity is at 1.023;
pH is ~8.2;
ammonia, nitrites and nitrates are all at the lowest level; and
temp is ~78;

A 20 gallon tank with about 10 gallons in a 20 AGA sump, with live rock;
A euro-reef 100 skimmer;
about 20 lbs of live rock;
about 20 lbs of live sand;
an Eheim 1250 return; and
a Current 24" T5 set up with four bulbs (plus LED moonlight) - two blue and two white - tank depth is 12 inches.

 

[james734]

FYI: instead of saying Ammonia, Nitrite etc are the lowest level doesn't mean much. This is all different based on test kits etc. the lowest level for one kit might be 10 and the other 5. In the future provide the exact level. I have no idea what the lowest level is... It might be good, but it might still be bad depending on the problem.

Just trying to help you get the quality help from others by providing specific data and not just general data.

 

[leebca]

James is making an excellent point. I've sort of become numb to that. I request numbers and get 'they are okay.' Can't do my best without all the facts = actual numbers.

 

[pho sho]

That certainly makes sense. I appreciate the advice. Is there a test kit that either of you recommend that may provide more accurate readings of these levels. The test kit I am using shows color levels and within those colors are number ranges e.g. 0-5, etc. I am aware of the fact that this is not the most accurate method by which to measure these levels.

It is my desire to do this correctly. So, please, by all means edumacate me.

BTW I also have two Koralia 1s for added water movement.

 

[leebca]

You want to use test kits that have a level which is "none detected" for such things as:
Ammonia
Nitrite
Nitrate

You want test kits that will titrate Calcium, Magnesium, and Alkalinity. The line of kits on the market many hobbyists find easy to use and fulfill the above requirements are those made by Salifert. They are easy to use and relatively reliable. Just make sure you don't buy or use outdated kits.

There are many other kits on the market. Look at your LFS' shelf and see what seems easy and yet clearly differentiates between "none detected" and low quantities of Ammonia and Nitrite.

Any test kit that says it's easy to use is probably not one you want! <joking>

 

[pho sho]

thanks. I'll invest in something of the kind.