All fishes died after adding bacteria

[tuckz]

i have a 65 gallon tank
5 clown fishs, 2 damsel
i added the Ocean Free Super Battle Bacteria 8000
A few mins later, all my fishes died
they dies with their gills wide open
everything was okay
i was putting bacteria in as maintenance
nothing went wrong all the while
this is a new bottle
same brand and type but just bought
i noticed it has some white particles in this solution
ph, NO2 levels are fine
KH is a bit out
after adding the bacteria, the skimmer produced a lot of foam
i had no choice but to off it
what should i do now?
the water is quite new

[Nek]

How much did the directions say to add???? Isnt it usually a teaspoon or so at a time???

[asmujica]

I think you created a new cycle. There is no need to add bacteria to an already established tank.

WHat are your amonia and nitrite readings?

[tuckz]

well i dont know the readings for ammonia n nitrite
but i checked n the colour turns out in the safe zone
but i read the instructions
add 5ml to around 50 gallons
they say we can triple the dosage
so what do i do now?

[asmujica]

Don't add that thing again.

Do you have anything inside the tank?

[tuckz]

well 40 pounds LR
under gravel filter
protein skimmer
no more fish

[asmujica]

Hmm, undergravel....... Have you considered replacing your undegravel filter with a DSB?

Just let the tank run its course for a while. It is most likely that it caused a cycle and killed your fish. Also maybe if you get a bit more live rock it may help.

[tuckz]

well run for how long?
so now, no to getting new fishes?
i tot if it is a new cycle, nitrite level will be high?
dsb?

[DgenR8]

I've never liked bottled bacteria products, but that's because I really didn't believe there was really anything in the bottle but water. Your problem contradicts my belief. It sounds like you added deads stuff to your tank.
I would first throw that stuff away, and never buy it again, then monitor your ammo, nitrite, and nitrate closely for the next two weeks or so. If you have a test kit that only reads safe or danger, I recommend tossing that as well. Water perams are important, and reliable readings are essential. get a handle on the exact numbers with a test kit you can trust.

[tuckz]

how come nothing happened the previous time?
should i make a complaint to the LFS?
try to get a refund for the bottle or sumthing?
(if can for my fishes too..but i doubt so ler)
if i dunt add anything?
will a cycle be created?

[asmujica]

DSB is a deep sand bed. There is plenty of information here on RC. Lemme see If I can point you in the right direction.

Don't add any other fish untill you can correctly test your water. Salifert and Seachem test kits are the best IMO.

[asmujica]

http://www.rshimek.com/reef/sediment.htm

[DgenR8]

You should let the LFS know what happened, butdon't count on getting a refund. Chances are that they will tell you "it must have been something else"
You'll need to watch your params to see if this episode kicks off another cycle. I can't tell you why this happened now, and nothing happened before. I wish I knew, but I don't.

[tuckz]

okay
aish
i shall check the water
so most prob it's coz of the cycle thingy ler
when i keep the water running, should i on the lights?
skimmer?

[DgenR8]

Please take a second to proof read your posts, it's very difficult to make sense out of them when they look like that.

Lighting is not necessary without photosynthetic animals present, and keeping them off will minimize algae problems as your tank settles down.
Running your skimmer is a good idea, it will help to remove organics from the water contributing to cleaner water, sooner.

[RudeBoy]

To add my 2 cents, you might want to add more rock to that tank. You should have at LEAST 100# of LR in your 65g. I have close to 70# of LR in my 29g. I'm not sure how great your filtration is with only 40#'s. Just a thought.

[Nek]

How big exactly was the bottle???

[Khonsudius]

Yah strip out that UGF, it isn't doing you any good.

[lllosingit]

I think you got started on the wrong foot, The undergravel filter was my first clue The second was that you added bacteria to a tank that already had fish in it.
It's not exactly starting over but before you buy anything else I think you should read THIS
I'm not sure who gave you the information to get started but my guess is the LFS. Most LFS give crappy advice or just plain bad advice.
Spend the extra money on quality equipment and test kits or you'll end up buying them later and spending even more money.
Ditch the UGF and Crushed coral if your using it and put in a sandbed and invest in a good skimmer.

[naesco]

I agree with IIlosingit
Most of the posters on this board are reefers. It is best to get your advice from them.

[jimsta]

Just to add my opinion on the bacteria. If it was anything other than Turbo Start #900 then it was worthless. I have tried some of the bottle bacteria and all but Turbo Start #900, just created a new cycle. Also make sure it is for saltwater, not freshwater. I have never done bacteria while fish were in the tank though. Just Live Rock. Plus always wat the recommended amount of days, or more would be better, before adding anything living to te tank.

[lil_mikey69]

Isnt 5 Clownfish WAY too many for one tank anyways?

[DiggityDanks]

What about "Tender Living Care" bacteria? I have been using that brand. Is it any good?

[asmujica]

DiggityDanks there is no need to use it.

[::PixelFish::]

Why do you add bacteria to a cycled tank? What's the benefit?