Decolouration of Fishes

[Maverick77]

Hi fellow reefers,

May I know what are the reasons for fish decolouration? My bicolor dottyback, Yellow Hawaiian Tang all turned lighter in color.

Currently having 2 shrimps, 3 tangs(3 inches), 3 clowns, 3 chromis, 2 cardinals, 1 blenny, 1 urchin, 1 knob star, 2-3 snails

Am on a 3(L) x 2(W) x 2.5(H) tank with sump. Main filtration is skimmer Macro AS-150 and some LR in the sump. I do change water - 30L to 45L - every 2 to 3 weeks. Add Marine Trace every 3 to 5 days, add kalkwasser during water top ups every 3 to 4 days. Feedin Henry's food. I don't do test on water quality though so won't know nitrate level.

What are the additives that is most important to maintain fish color.

Hope all these info helps.

Thanks in advance

[Thexder]

I've heard from reefers that if your water temp is high (30C or above). Long term your fishes will lose colour also.

[sparks1107]

pH will also affect fish colour. u using premix saltwater or NSW?

[Maverick77]

Hi, thanks for the replies...

If temp is also a factor, then a bit hard for me to run a chiller. I'm using a mixture of marine salt and sometime NSW. These days mainline marine salt - ratio like 5 marine salt change to 1 NSW change