Clownfish laying on sides after tank move

[hulldaniel17]

I downsized my tank yesterday. I used 20% fresh salt water. And the rest from the existing tank. New filter media has been in the existing aquarium for a while. And sand and rock was transferred over. Since adding my two clownfish and goby. The clown fish have been laying on there sides breathing heavily ever since. I’ve tested the water and every thing is ok. Any suggestions? Thanks

 

[AlyciaMarie]

Please post your parameters, pictures, and videos of the behavior. This will help the members of our community provide the best help!

 

[Sharkbait19]

I agree - pictures and videos (linked through YouTube) would help a lot.
Transferring sand can be risky, especially with a deep sand bed. Hydrogen sulfide, among other chemicals, can kill fish if there’s enough of it.
Is the clown the only thing reacting or are others acting off too?

 

[vetteguy53081]

I downsized my tank yesterday. I used 20% fresh salt water. And the rest from the existing tank. New filter media has been in the existing aquarium for a while. And sand and rock was transferred over. Since adding my two clownfish and goby. The clown fish have been laying on there sides breathing heavily ever since. I’ve tested the water and every thing is ok. Any suggestions? Thanks

At times , you may have to acclimate it as if it were a new purchase but not unusual with a tank transfer. Add air stone and keep the white intensity down for at least 12 hours and see if it perks up

 

[hulldaniel17]

hi all thank you for your reply’s. I have siphoned out some of the sand and done 20% water changes for the last two days. Ammonia still at 0 and nitrate at 1ppm. One of the clownfish seem to have recovered and is now happily swimming around. The 2nd one is not doing so well. Is still upside down and has developed fin rot which I have treated today.

 

[hulldaniel17]

At times , you may have to acclimate it as if it were a new purchase but not unusual with a tank transfer. Add air stone and keep the white intensity down for at least 12 hours and see if it perks up

I have added an airstone. Also a large external filter to try and increase water volume and flow. One has perked up now. But the other is not doing so great

 

[hulldaniel17]

Video

Here is a video of them. It is hard to see the full extent as it’s gone under the rock and do not want to stress it out by trying to move it

 

[Sharkbait19]

Unfortunately, the fish looks moribund and beyond saving at this point. Based on the damage to the gills and fins, I would say the fish was a victim of aggression from the other clown.

 

[hulldaniel17]

Unfortunately, the fish looks moribund and beyond saving at this point. Based on the damage to the gills and fins, I would say the fish was a victim of aggression from the other clown.

I don’t think it was aggression as they was both laying on the sand. The 2nd has only just perked up.

 

[Dom]

I downsized my tank yesterday. I used 20% fresh salt water. And the rest from the existing tank. New filter media has been in the existing aquarium for a while. And sand and rock was transferred over. Since adding my two clownfish and goby. The clown fish have been laying on there sides breathing heavily ever since. I’ve tested the water and every thing is ok. Any suggestions? Thanks

Based on the info provided, I'd speculate the issue is with all of the toxins stirred up by using old sand.

There is a "sand rinse" thread (can someone provide the link) which explains the proper way to reuse sand.

I would start with a large water change, carbon and if you aren't running a skimmer, perhaps an air stone for oxygen.

 

[eliaslikesfish]

A live sand bed is full of live animals like worms and other critters. When you switch it over to a new tank, the lack of oxygen during tank take down and lack of water movement, they (most) will die. Once they die, there could be a small crash because of the spike in ammonia.
Do not try to move a sand bed that has been in a stabilized tank, and if you do, wash it with rodi first. all the beneficial bacteria you’ll need is in your live rock

 

[hulldaniel17]

Should I try and remove the sand or is the damage done and just continue to do daily water changes and start running carbon? I have also added some prime today.

 

[eliaslikesfish]

Should I try and remove the sand or is the damage done and just continue to do daily water changes and start running carbon? I have also added some prime today.

if the other clown is perking back up you’re probably fine to leave it.

 

[hulldaniel17]

if the other clown is perking back up you’re probably fine to leave it.

The other one is fine and my goby is also fine. But this fish is getting worse. Is it maybe time to put it out is misery or is there still a chance that the tanks now been medicated?

 

[eliaslikesfish]

The other one is fine and my goby is also fine. But this fish is getting worse. Is it maybe time to put it out is misery or is there still a chance that the tanks now been medicated?

not to encourage you to kill your fish or anything, but, he doesn’t look like he’s coming back.

 

[hulldaniel17]

not to encourage you to kill your fish or anything, but, he doesn’t look like he’s coming back.

It’s the last thing I want to do. A shame we’ve had it two years and never had an issue

 

[eliaslikesfish]

It’s the last thing I want to do. A shame we’ve had it two years and never had an issue

hope for the best.. his buddy, not sure if it’s the male or female is almost acting “caring” towards the other, shaking against him/her. that’s also usually a sign it’s almost time. i’m sorry

 

[hulldaniel17]

hope for the best.. his buddy, not sure if it’s the male or female is almost acting “caring” towards the other, shaking against him/her. that’s also usually a sign it’s almost time.

It’s the female that’s not doing well. I thought that to

 

[eliaslikesfish]

It’s the female that’s not doing well. I thought that to

well, at least your current male clown now has a chance to be the female if you decide to get another. i’m sure that‘s an unforgettable experience.

 

[Justfebreezeit]

I just had my clowns get velvet and they looked like that plus covered in white for 3-4 days in copper, and now they are swimming around fine. I wouldn't kill it, I would just monitor and cross your fingers.