Blew it ... now dying

[A.VOID]

After having a nice stable tank for a good 18 months with great growth and colors I went and blew it ...

I thought I had to have a Bluespot Jawfish, so I went and constructed one of the clear mesh canopies. Ever since I put that on top (about 2 mos ago) I've had STN. The only other thing I did was replace a Koralia 3 with a MP10. SO I run an MP40 and an MP10

I've lost about 3 colonies already with another 3 or so currently STNing. Parameters are all dead on, except I had a small alk spike (to 10ish from my usual 8) due to die off and less uptake.

I thought I had the issue identified after the first month. My splash shield was a mess from salt spray, so I cleaned it. I figured the mesh and the splash shield were too much ... for a time it looked like things were improving, but I still see declines in half my acros. Most montis are OK (although now my undata is showing it). LPS and zoas seem fine

Having lost a bluespot to jumping out, I'm reluctant to pull the screen. This guy is very comfortable and not threatened after a couple months, but I'm at a crossroads. Getting him out to sell/ give-away would not really be feasible, plus these jawfish are fragile.

Has anyone else had experience with these mesh screens>? Am I barking up the wrong tree with my issues? After going through all the newbish trials and becoming successful, I find this to be beyond frustrating.

 

[Znut Reefer]

I have clear mesh tops on my tank (lots of wrasses). I haven't had any problems with my acros. Have you had any temp or alk swings?

 

[A.VOID]

No alk or temp swings.
I should have indicated, I'm running a 7 bulb Aquactinics T5 (constellation) over a 75.

 

[kingfisher62]

I am sorry, what is "STN" ?

 

[reefWW96]

I am sorry, what is "STN" ?

kingfisher, i think it means slow tissue necrosis-----die off of coral tissue that leads to the death in that coral..

 

[kingfisher62]

Thanks , I was thinking it was " Sudden Tank Necrosis" or something like that. I never heard the term but I have experienced it.

 

[A.VOID]

STN = Slow Tissue Necrosis ... basically the colonies are dying off over a few weeks. Nothing overnight.

 

[Genetics]

Have you looked at the age of your lights? If the screen is very fine you may have just dropped your PAR enough to cause some base necrosis. If it is the whole colony though I would think this is not the issue.

Have you taken apart your pumps and cleaned them? Reduced water flow will definitely cause base necrosis on corals.

The screen you are using, what is its composition? Any metals?

Edit; I just saw that you changed out the pumps. Have you looked to see if you have AEFWs?

 

[A.VOID]

Nate: It is base necrosis going out to the tips.
Bulbs are only 6 mos old. Pumps get cleaned once a month.
Screen is clear 1/4" mesh (plastic) with an aluminum frame.

 

[Genetics]

Just a thought...
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/july2003/chem.htm

 

[A.VOID]

Just a thought...
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/july2003/chem.htm

HMMM ... do you think the frame that sits on top leached aluminum into the tank?

 

[Radioheadx14]

I didn't think aluminum was a hazard to be super concerned about? I have a aluminum screen without fail.

 

[A.VOID]

Radiohead, I know you were running T5's. No issue with the screen and your T5's?

 

[Genetics]

HMMM ... do you think the frame that sits on top leached aluminum into the tank?

It seems like a stretch but its possible.

 

[Radioheadx14]

nope. I had a 6 bulb sunpower with them... no problems. Now I have a 250w MH with no problems.

 

[A.VOID]

Well, I pulled the MP10 tonight. I put the K3 back in based on some feedback. Hopefully some partials will recover.

 

[harlequin tusk]

When you say you are cleaning out your pumps do you mean your powerheads? Or are you talking about your main pump that is plumbed into your tank? How would you go about cleaning that one?

 

[A.VOID]

When you say you are cleaning out your pumps do you mean your powerheads? Or are you talking about your main pump that is plumbed into your tank? How would you go about cleaning that one?

I clean the powerheads about once a month in a vinegar bath for 48+ hours. I should clean my return pump every few months, but I never do it. I had a smaller return on my last tank, and it would clog up every 6 mos or so if not cleaned. Current tank is running a larger Mag9.5, and I changed my sump setup to minimize stuff getting into the return. If you wanted to clean your return pump, then you would need to disassemble the wet parts and give them a vinegar bath and a scrubbing.

 

[Nate R]

mag pumps a notorious for voltage leaks. I have Mag 9.5 mixing salt water now that leaks. just a thought

 

[tegee]

I clean the powerheads about once a month in a vinegar bath for 48+ hours. I should clean my return pump every few months, but I never do it. I had a smaller return on my last tank, and it would clog up every 6 mos or so if not cleaned. Current tank is running a larger Mag9.5, and I changed my sump setup to minimize stuff getting into the return. If you wanted to clean your return pump, then you would need to disassemble the wet parts and give them a vinegar bath and a scrubbing.

Just a thought.....when you are cleaning your powerheads for 48 hrs what are you using for flow when your main ph are off-line. Sps's do not like stagnant circulation and 48 hrs each month could cause some of your issues. I know a had a huge acro colony that I lost because my Tunze stopped working when I was out of town for a couple of days. It simply missed the flow from the Tunze imo.