Sick clownfish?!?

Christa1433 · 11/21/2019, 10:58 PM

Hi. I’m very new to this. I have a 45 gal SW tank that I just set up. On Monday I added two small clownfish. They seemed ok, but I'm noticing that one of them is constantly swimming upwards, and then sinking. The other one is calmer. Could my clownfish be sick? Is it normal to frantically swim upwards then sink?? Thank you in advance

Uncle99 · 11/22/2019, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Christa1433

Hi. I’m very new to this. I have a 45 gal SW tank that I just set up. On Monday I added two small clownfish. They seemed ok, but I'm noticing that one of them is constantly swimming upwards, and then sinking. The other one is calmer. Could my clownfish be sick Is it normal to frantically swim upwards then sink?? Thank you in advance

Are they in a cycled saltwater tank with LR and flow?
Ammonia is zero right?

What do you mean by “sinking” does he remain upright?

Christa1433 · 11/22/2019, 02:08 PM

I was told to quick cycle the tank by adding a bacteria culture at the same time as the fish. I had it run with live (man made) rock for a week before adding fish and DrTims.

He doesn’t turn upside down, just goes to the bottom quickly.

Uncle99 · 11/22/2019, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Christa1433

I was told to quick cycle the tank by adding a bacteria culture at the same time as the fish. I had it run with live (man made) rock for a week before adding fish and DrTims.

He doesn’t turn upside down, just goes to the bottom quickly.

"swimming" up and down in the water column is typical clown behavior.
I would have some concerns about ammonia level in your water unless you zeroed out nitrite and ammonia, both as you may know are toxic.
If your live rock is well established rock, then no concern.
I am Leary of the LFS quick cycles.

If they eat well, and no others signs like spots, rashes, heavy breathing, glassy eyes, lathargic, I would not be concerned.

But keep an eye out for any changes.

11/21/2019, 10:58 PM	#1
Christa1433 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2019 Location: California Posts: 2	Sick clownfish?!? Hi. I’m very new to this. I have a 45 gal SW tank that I just set up. On Monday I added two small clownfish. They seemed ok, but I'm noticing that one of them is constantly swimming upwards, and then sinking. The other one is calmer. Could my clownfish be sick? Is it normal to frantically swim upwards then sink?? Thank you in advance

11/22/2019, 02:08 PM	#3
Christa1433 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2019 Location: California Posts: 2	I was told to quick cycle the tank by adding a bacteria culture at the same time as the fish. I had it run with live (man made) rock for a week before adding fish and DrTims. He doesn’t turn upside down, just goes to the bottom quickly.