Defeated.

[myvwrock]

Copied this from the, pic of the day thread as that not really a discussion thread..

Defeated. That's what the mood is. In the past week and a half I have lost 7 of my 8 fish. This tank has been running for 5 years, I have had most of those fish the majority of that time with the newest addition probably 6 months ago. Kole eye tang, three years, six line 4 years, clownfish 3 years among others.

It appears it is a random ich outbreak. I did everything I could think of. Feeding with focus, Metro and garlic. Turning lights off to reduce stress. Putting fish in my sump so they would be out of heavy flow, etc..

My tank has not looked this good coral wise in awhile. It Was really maturing and coral colonies were really becoming something.

I've had reef tanks for 17 years, since I worked at fish scales when I was 15. I have never had something of this magnitude happen. I have never rushed anything and let the tank do it's thing and develop into an ecosystem.

I can't figure out what triggered it. And as a rv technician who can normally fix anything.That's what is most upsetting, I just don't know.

Now, I'm looking at a tank that I have poured my heart and soul into and I have one fish left, a cherub angel whose fate is unfortunately probably written on the wall.

It's one thing to loose a new fish after three days.( Things we have accept that's a high possibility) but to loose fish after having them for years and the are fat and healthy. I don't view them as "just fish" these are my pets like my dogs.

I don't know where to go from here.

Chris c.

 

[shanepike]

Awful, man. I am so, so sorry.

 

[siege]

Okay, let me say first off, I am very sorry for your losses. It sucks. Gosh I know it sucks.

BUT, it's no different than when any other pet passes. Which is to say, it sucks, but it's not the end of the world, and this temporary unhappiness will pass... and if you'll let yourself, you can have the joy you've had for the past many years again... it just takes a bit of a restart. Assuming the offer from someone else here is still good to borrow their pair of 10 gallon tanks for QT, I've got a 20 long I can loan you for your survivor, if need be.

This is a tipping/decision point for a lot of people. Many wash their hands of years of work and learning and many thousands of dollars. And honestly sometimes who can blame them, especially if they weren't really taking joy from it.

The question is, have you been enjoying it? Did the tank bring you peace or joy in all the time in-between? If so, then step back and breathe. Mourn, if you need to - I feel you, and I'm sure many others here do too. Some might say, "they're just fish", but if you're anything like me, you take pride in the care you provide to anything dependent on you, large or small.

Heck, I feel bad when I lose a daphnia culture. Nature might be cruel, but I can try to be kind. Right?

Still, you can have it again. You've still got your corals, you're not starting entirely from fresh, and there may still be something to be learned here, or at least something for someone else to learn from, have the benefit of your advice one day.

So, now you need to let the tank go fallow of fish for the next 72 days. Get the survivor into QT and get to medicating gently and appropriately, pronto. Your corals and inverts don't care about the ich, and your survivor is going to have a little stress being alone for the next while - perhaps you can get it a QT buddy or two to be the next new additions to your tank... after it has been fish-free for at least 72 days (I'd probably do 90 to be on the safe side). Maybe that new designer clown species you'd been eying?

In the meantime, feed the tank (make sure you have some sort of ammonia source but keep it below 0.5ppm max dose so you don't nuke your pods), bide your time, and this, too, shall pass.