Damsel Staying Near Top

[Ahoy89]

I introduced my two new fish today into my nano, a ocellaris clown and a humbug damselfish. The clown is having a great time settling in but the damsel when I first put it in went missing for 3 hours (I imagine he hid under a big hole in my live rock) then he came out and has been staying near the top.

It doesn't look like he's in distress of any kind at all, the clown is moving around normally, very actively though he won't go right down the bottom.

I've just done a quick water test to make sure nothing has gone crazy and the results were;

ammonia: o
nitrite: 0
nitrate: 2ish (just about)
pH: 8.0
SG: 1.024

is there anything else that could cause it? it's a hexagon tank.

I was thinking it could be lack of oxygen down there but my shrimp is doing great! maybe move the powerhead lower? I have a carbon canister filter in my spares but I don't know if that is recommended to add to saltwater!

Anyway any suggestions, he doesn't look happy!

Also first thing I tested was ammonia as I've heard of fish doing these actions and it's caused by that.

Surely settling into his new home doesn't involve staying at the top all of the time!

 

[STD]

I introduced my two new fish today into my nano, a ocellaris clown and a humbug damselfish. The clown is having a great time settling in but the damsel when I first put it in went missing for 3 hours (I imagine he hid under a big hole in my live rock) then he came out and has been staying near the top.

It doesn't look like he's in distress of any kind at all, the clown is moving around normally, very actively though he won't go right down the bottom.

I've just done a quick water test to make sure nothing has gone crazy and the results were;

ammonia: o
nitrite: 0
nitrate: 2ish (just about)
pH: 8.0
SG: 1.024

is there anything else that could cause it? it's a hexagon tank.

I was thinking it could be lack of oxygen down there but my shrimp is doing great! maybe move the powerhead lower? I have a carbon canister filter in my spares but I don't know if that is recommended to add to saltwater!

Anyway any suggestions, he doesn't look happy!

give him time to settle in

It will probably be fine tomorrow

Humbugs are very hardy

They are also not a good choice of fish to intruduce first - they can be very aggressive & territorial

 

[bronzecat]

Hi

Whilst I cant comment on your Damsel, It would help those who come on-line later to know a few more details.

Tank size
Whats in the tank
How long has it been running
Filter type and power heads
Other water stats i.e. Phosphates, Alk, Temp etc

I know they will ask you



Edit: LOL someone already answering you

 

[Ahoy89]

Thankyou for the fast replies, while I was away from the laptop a strange thing has just happened.

I've just turned the lights out on the tank and they have just instantly calmed down and started swimming about happily around the tank... =| They go to the top when the lights are on and swim much faster. They are waterproof LEDs that are attached to the top of the lid, surely these aren't harming them in anyway.
As for other stats;
temperature it is currently at 27°C
it has been running for about a month and cycled a week ago with LR
it's an 18g nano
i have a hydor 1 powerhead
nano protein skimmer v2
plus about 16kg live rock (not sure exactly how much) two large slabs

I don't understand why they would be heading towards the top of the tank when the lights are on?

 

[seffieuk]

Ahoy, you have bought two different types of damsels - you are asking for trouble mate

Take the humbug back and get a mate for the clown

Seffie x