HELP...abandoned predator tank, need help saving them.

killab7.bh · 09/17/2018, 08:48 PM

Neighbor abandoned tank containing an eel, lionfish, starfish & 3 to 4 other plus rocks & coral. Was guided to transfer the fish out from tank into tote containers cleaned with vinegar and water & place original pumps into totes. After putting some water from the tank in the totes to acclimate the fish, I drained 90% of water from tank leaving gravel & shells in tank. My question is should I completely empty & clean the tank before beginning the process of returning them to the tank or just fill it with water in its current condition in which algae is present?
Thank you.

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TheCamaroShow · 09/18/2018, 07:05 AM

pictures

nereefpat · 09/18/2018, 07:14 AM

So you are essentially doing a 90% water change, just treat it as that.

If the tank has been empty for any period of time, you will probably experience some sort of die-off and/or nitrogen cycle. Watch ammonia levels like a hawk, and do water changes and use Prime as needed.

I (captain hindsight) would have just left the fish in tank and done the large water change.

killab7.bh · 09/18/2018, 07:54 AM

Thanks for the insight I would have left them in the tank but they were abandoned and the power was being shut off so I had no choice but to move them out I didn't want to see them die. from all the research I've done this isn't really a process you should be doing overnight but I had no choice and had to move them however they seem to be doing okay in their temporary set up I've made from totes.

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nereefpat · 09/18/2018, 02:01 PM

Ah. I see.

I would fill the tank now, acclimate the fish to it, add fish, and watch ammonia.

killab7.bh · 09/18/2018, 02:06 PM

I'm very green and new to this when you say watch the ammonia how would I do that do I need to buy some kind of test

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nereefpat · 09/18/2018, 03:34 PM

Yes, there are ammonia test kits. There are also ammonia alert badges, but some folks don't seem to trust them.

Akram · 09/18/2018, 06:39 PM

Agreed with nereefpat

killab7.bh · 09/19/2018, 11:23 AM

Can someone tell me what the function of this apparatus is as I said before I'm green and learning also I'm trying to figure out if this tank has a heater what that would look like I don't believe it does unless that's what this is there's two of those in the tank I want to put my fish back in but i don't want to shock them

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killab7.bh · 09/19/2018, 11:25 AM

The neighbor that had abandoned these fish didn't take care of them it looks like at all I want to make sure I'm doing the right thing I'm using what components he had there I haven't bought any kind of Motors or accessories other than a Master test kit

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Foundry · 09/19/2018, 11:44 AM

The item in your photo is a 'power head' and is a simple prop based pump used to add circulation to the water. Circulation is needed to ensure water movement and surface agitation to elicit 'gas exchange' between the water and the atmosphere.

Fancy way of saying its a pump which moves the water about, point it towards the surface of the tank to agitate the surface layer to add oxygen to the water.

killab7.bh · 09/19/2018, 11:49 AM

Thank you I'm still trying to figure out if the water is too cold for my fish I took over an abandoned tank I've got it set up in my house I'm trying to get the levels in the water correct but the components that were with the abandoned tank don't seem to have a heater and I know for a fact that they've been that way for at least 3 months because he didn't do anything to it I'm a little hesitant to put the fish in because I don't want to shock them

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Foundry · 09/19/2018, 01:47 PM

Is there a heater in your holding tank?

What is your typical room temp? Heaters can be picked up on the cheaper end, even used if absolutely needed. Used heaters are typically avoided as a damaged or run away heater can 'boil' the fish.

Reach out to your local fish store for support, they'll be more then happy to help out and sell some goods.

killab7.bh · 09/19/2018, 01:56 PM

I normally keep my house at about 72. some of the research and reading that I've done other people that live in the Southeast region say a heater isn't always necessary. there is an aquarium store not too far from me so I will definitely do that

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killab7.bh · 09/19/2018, 01:58 PM

I don't believe there is a heater in the holding tank I'm not sure what would I be looking for?

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killab7.bh · 09/19/2018, 02:04 PM

These are the only peices of equipment I have currently I'm hoping they'll be okay to get me through the next couple of pay days until I can afford to invest a little more into them like I said they were abandoned by a guy that didn't take care of them and they were surviving so I'm just wondering if I'm worrying a little too much about it

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Crooked Reef · 09/19/2018, 09:07 PM

Where are you located? You may have a local reef club that can assist you with the tank. Also, if money is tight hit Walmart in the pet section for an aquarium thermometer.

So, right off the bat the lights probably won’t support most corals. Are they led or do they take bulbs?

The filter on the back isn’t really made for saltwater and he likely just used to because it would filter out food particles from the messy eating the predators do. Most of your filter is biological and done by the bacteria inside of the rocks. Though it will be almost impossible to have a standard clean up crew depending on the fish. Is there anything inside the filter? Also it will provide surface agitation for gas exchange so I would point the pumps towards the rockwork to get some flow in there.

If you can take measurements of the tank and take pictures of all of the livestock, we can identify it for you and tell you the water volume.

killab7.bh · 09/21/2018, 10:25 AM

Thanks everybody that gave me good insight all my fish seem to be doing pretty good other than my starfish which I'm not sure I think it died I'm a little sad about that but I guess that's part of it after building a stand for my tank I'm pretty happy with my results

Thanks

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Crooked Reef · 09/21/2018, 12:03 PM

Looks like you have a Volutan or Russell’s lionfish. It’s hard to tell because it has serious stress coloration going on at the moment. The dioxins shaped fish in the first pic is a Huma Picasso triggerfish. I can’t make out any other fish in the tank. Starfish usually disentegrate pretty quickly when dead. I can see it on the right draped on the rock so it may be in shock or dying, but if it’s not falling apart you may have a chance.

How are you measuring salinity? What is your salinity? What are you feeding? Are there more fish I missed?

killab7.bh · 09/21/2018, 12:10 PM

The only other one is a pinfish I don't know how to measure the salinity is there a meter or test and how would I combat that?

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killab7.bh · 09/21/2018, 12:14 PM

He's eating three live shrimp today I went to the bait store he's been in the tank for 2 days normally during the day he stays at the bottom but at night he swims around the top

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killab7.bh · 09/21/2018, 12:40 PM

I also have a eel he usually doesn't come out until the night time and he has no problem telling me when he's hungry

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Crooked Reef · 09/21/2018, 01:14 PM

Most accurate way that is somewhat affordable is with a salinity refractometer. It is a handheld device with a prism you place water on and can read the salt level in the water. You can also buy a swing arm hydrometer or even a thermometer that is a hydrometer for cheaper, but these aren’t as accurate. You want to keep you salinity level between 1.024 and 1.026. You control this with water top offs. Keep in mind that the salt does not evaporate from the tank like water does. As water evaporates the salt concentration in the water rises until it is topped off with freshwater to dilute it back to what it should be at. If your salinity is too high you bring it down over the period of a few days by taking water out and replacing it with freshwater. If salinity is too low just top off with saltwater until it gets to the correct level. Once your salinity is correct, always top off with freshwater, never salt.

killab7.bh · 09/21/2018, 01:21 PM

Thank you

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killab7.bh · 09/21/2018, 02:04 PM

I found this with the things that were in a box next to the tank this is my third measurement just to make sure obviously I have to add salt

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09/17/2018, 08:48 PM	#1
killab7.bh Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2018 Posts: 15	HELP...abandoned predator tank, need help saving them. Neighbor abandoned tank containing an eel, lionfish, starfish & 3 to 4 other plus rocks & coral. Was guided to transfer the fish out from tank into tote containers cleaned with vinegar and water & place original pumps into totes. After putting some water from the tank in the totes to acclimate the fish, I drained 90% of water from tank leaving gravel & shells in tank. My question is should I completely empty & clean the tank before beginning the process of returning them to the tank or just fill it with water in its current condition in which algae is present? Thank you. Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk

09/18/2018, 07:14 AM	#3
nereefpat Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Central Nebraska Posts: 3,190	So you are essentially doing a 90% water change, just treat it as that. If the tank has been empty for any period of time, you will probably experience some sort of die-off and/or nitrogen cycle. Watch ammonia levels like a hawk, and do water changes and use Prime as needed. I (captain hindsight) would have just left the fish in tank and done the large water change. __________________ Pat Current Tank Info: 125 in-wall , 40b sump. 6 bulb T5. ASM G2 skimmer. LPS and leathers

09/18/2018, 02:01 PM	#5
nereefpat Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Central Nebraska Posts: 3,190	Ah. I see. I would fill the tank now, acclimate the fish to it, add fish, and watch ammonia. __________________ Pat Current Tank Info: 125 in-wall , 40b sump. 6 bulb T5. ASM G2 skimmer. LPS and leathers

09/18/2018, 03:34 PM	#7
nereefpat Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Central Nebraska Posts: 3,190	Yes, there are ammonia test kits. There are also ammonia alert badges, but some folks don't seem to trust them. __________________ Pat Current Tank Info: 125 in-wall , 40b sump. 6 bulb T5. ASM G2 skimmer. LPS and leathers

09/19/2018, 09:07 PM	#17
Crooked Reef Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 1,765	Where are you located? You may have a local reef club that can assist you with the tank. Also, if money is tight hit Walmart in the pet section for an aquarium thermometer. So, right off the bat the lights probably won’t support most corals. Are they led or do they take bulbs? The filter on the back isn’t really made for saltwater and he likely just used to because it would filter out food particles from the messy eating the predators do. Most of your filter is biological and done by the bacteria inside of the rocks. Though it will be almost impossible to have a standard clean up crew depending on the fish. Is there anything inside the filter? Also it will provide surface agitation for gas exchange so I would point the pumps towards the rockwork to get some flow in there. If you can take measurements of the tank and take pictures of all of the livestock, we can identify it for you and tell you the water volume. __________________ “In wine there is wisdom; in beer there is freedom, in water there is bacteria.” - Benjamin Franklin Current Tank Info: 90 gallon reef. Biocube 29 lionfish tank. Mantis tank.

09/18/2018, 07:05 AM	#2
TheCamaroShow Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: northen Wv Posts: 192	pictures

09/18/2018, 07:54 AM	#4
killab7.bh Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2018 Posts: 15	Thanks for the insight I would have left them in the tank but they were abandoned and the power was being shut off so I had no choice but to move them out I didn't want to see them die. from all the research I've done this isn't really a process you should be doing overnight but I had no choice and had to move them however they seem to be doing okay in their temporary set up I've made from totes. Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk

09/18/2018, 02:06 PM	#6
killab7.bh Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2018 Posts: 15	I'm very green and new to this when you say watch the ammonia how would I do that do I need to buy some kind of test Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk

09/18/2018, 06:39 PM	#8
Akram Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 72	Agreed with nereefpat

09/19/2018, 11:23 AM	#9
killab7.bh Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2018 Posts: 15	Can someone tell me what the function of this apparatus is as I said before I'm green and learning also I'm trying to figure out if this tank has a heater what that would look like I don't believe it does unless that's what this is there's two of those in the tank I want to put my fish back in but i don't want to shock them Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk

09/19/2018, 11:25 AM	#10
killab7.bh Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2018 Posts: 15	The neighbor that had abandoned these fish didn't take care of them it looks like at all I want to make sure I'm doing the right thing I'm using what components he had there I haven't bought any kind of Motors or accessories other than a Master test kit Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk

09/19/2018, 11:44 AM	#11
Foundry Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2016 Posts: 57	The item in your photo is a 'power head' and is a simple prop based pump used to add circulation to the water. Circulation is needed to ensure water movement and surface agitation to elicit 'gas exchange' between the water and the atmosphere. Fancy way of saying its a pump which moves the water about, point it towards the surface of the tank to agitate the surface layer to add oxygen to the water.

09/19/2018, 11:49 AM	#12
killab7.bh Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2018 Posts: 15	Thank you I'm still trying to figure out if the water is too cold for my fish I took over an abandoned tank I've got it set up in my house I'm trying to get the levels in the water correct but the components that were with the abandoned tank don't seem to have a heater and I know for a fact that they've been that way for at least 3 months because he didn't do anything to it I'm a little hesitant to put the fish in because I don't want to shock them Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk

09/19/2018, 01:47 PM	#13
Foundry Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2016 Posts: 57	Is there a heater in your holding tank? What is your typical room temp? Heaters can be picked up on the cheaper end, even used if absolutely needed. Used heaters are typically avoided as a damaged or run away heater can 'boil' the fish. Reach out to your local fish store for support, they'll be more then happy to help out and sell some goods.

09/19/2018, 01:56 PM	#14
killab7.bh Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2018 Posts: 15	I normally keep my house at about 72. some of the research and reading that I've done other people that live in the Southeast region say a heater isn't always necessary. there is an aquarium store not too far from me so I will definitely do that Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk

09/19/2018, 01:58 PM	#15
killab7.bh Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2018 Posts: 15	I don't believe there is a heater in the holding tank I'm not sure what would I be looking for? Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk

09/19/2018, 02:04 PM	#16
killab7.bh Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2018 Posts: 15	These are the only peices of equipment I have currently I'm hoping they'll be okay to get me through the next couple of pay days until I can afford to invest a little more into them like I said they were abandoned by a guy that didn't take care of them and they were surviving so I'm just wondering if I'm worrying a little too much about it Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk

09/21/2018, 10:25 AM	#18
killab7.bh Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2018 Posts: 15	Thanks everybody that gave me good insight all my fish seem to be doing pretty good other than my starfish which I'm not sure I think it died I'm a little sad about that but I guess that's part of it after building a stand for my tank I'm pretty happy with my results Thanks Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk

09/21/2018, 12:03 PM	#19
Crooked Reef Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 1,765	Looks like you have a Volutan or Russell’s lionfish. It’s hard to tell because it has serious stress coloration going on at the moment. The dioxins shaped fish in the first pic is a Huma Picasso triggerfish. I can’t make out any other fish in the tank. Starfish usually disentegrate pretty quickly when dead. I can see it on the right draped on the rock so it may be in shock or dying, but if it’s not falling apart you may have a chance. How are you measuring salinity? What is your salinity? What are you feeding? Are there more fish I missed? __________________ “In wine there is wisdom; in beer there is freedom, in water there is bacteria.” - Benjamin Franklin Current Tank Info: 90 gallon reef. Biocube 29 lionfish tank. Mantis tank.

09/21/2018, 12:10 PM	#20
killab7.bh Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2018 Posts: 15	The only other one is a pinfish I don't know how to measure the salinity is there a meter or test and how would I combat that? Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk

09/21/2018, 12:14 PM	#21
killab7.bh Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2018 Posts: 15	He's eating three live shrimp today I went to the bait store he's been in the tank for 2 days normally during the day he stays at the bottom but at night he swims around the top Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk

09/21/2018, 12:40 PM	#22
killab7.bh Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2018 Posts: 15	I also have a eel he usually doesn't come out until the night time and he has no problem telling me when he's hungry Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk

09/21/2018, 01:14 PM	#23
Crooked Reef Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 1,765	Most accurate way that is somewhat affordable is with a salinity refractometer. It is a handheld device with a prism you place water on and can read the salt level in the water. You can also buy a swing arm hydrometer or even a thermometer that is a hydrometer for cheaper, but these aren’t as accurate. You want to keep you salinity level between 1.024 and 1.026. You control this with water top offs. Keep in mind that the salt does not evaporate from the tank like water does. As water evaporates the salt concentration in the water rises until it is topped off with freshwater to dilute it back to what it should be at. If your salinity is too high you bring it down over the period of a few days by taking water out and replacing it with freshwater. If salinity is too low just top off with saltwater until it gets to the correct level. Once your salinity is correct, always top off with freshwater, never salt. __________________ “In wine there is wisdom; in beer there is freedom, in water there is bacteria.” - Benjamin Franklin Current Tank Info: 90 gallon reef. Biocube 29 lionfish tank. Mantis tank.

09/21/2018, 01:21 PM	#24
killab7.bh Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2018 Posts: 15	Thank you Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk

09/21/2018, 02:04 PM	#25
killab7.bh Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2018 Posts: 15	I found this with the things that were in a box next to the tank this is my third measurement just to make sure obviously I have to add salt Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk