Are my fish sick or just stressed?

jiuliano

Registered Member
Apr 5, 2008
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I am a new saltwater aquarium owner and have already cycled my tank. The water tests perfect (i tested it and I had the aquarium test it too) after a month of having a healthy damsel live in it and today i replaced the damsel with two clownfish (a pair). I am concerned that the clownfish are swimming exclusively on the surface of the tank. Is this normal or are they just adjusting to the tank? The Damsel was very active in the tank and i have a "clean up crew" of hermits, snails, and a cleaner shrimp living healthy in the tank.
Additional Details

14 minutes ago
I let the bags sit for 15 minutes to match temperatures. Then i added a little bit of water from my tank to the bag and let sit another ten minutes, that is what i was told to do.
13 minutes ago
I have live rock and live sand in it as well
 
they're probably just a little stressed and need to get used to the tank. the best way to acclimate new fish is to drip acclimate them. it think its in the stickies somewhere how to do it exactly or u can google it. do they look healthy otherwise?
 
I believe it's probably a little of both. can be a form of protectiom. Due they stay by an inlet or power head? if so than than in my eyes it's probably normal. My ocellarris goes to the top under a mega flow return when ever i disturb the tank.
 
The potential is there probably for a little osmotic shock ( difference in water )....When acclimatizing fish, this process should be around an hour for hardy species, longer for delicate ones...Personally, i prefer the drip method of acclimation as i feel its more progressive and constant...

I dont feel there is much to worry about at this point, just keep a close eye on them....
 
They do tend to just stay by the powerhead. It has been a day and they look healthy, but i will keep an eye on them. Thank you for your feedback everybody.
 
i just got my clowns last week ,they came with a purple tipped anemone .
they did not leave the sides of the anemone for about 4 days ,and just now are venturing around the tank .
When
 
i just got my clowns last week ,they came with a purple tipped anemone .
they did not leave the sides of the anemone for about 4 days ,and just now are venturing around the tank .(but not far)
When hubby and i were zapping the antipasta they were at our arms nudging us lol it was funny like they were telling us hey get our of our tank lol
We took 2 hours of adding water b4 letting them go.
I would have to say it would be normal behaviour ,but can be stressfull on us thinking something is wrong .'
I was scared as i have never had a fish in my life .
 
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