frogspawn dying. Need HELP!!

[jonnySouthFL]

My frogspawn was looking incredible since i got it.
I went on vacation for 3 days, and when i came back it looked like this.
the tenticals are falling out of their place on just 2 of the 3 polyps.

40 gal
2 45w. P.C.
2 40w HO t5
water temp. 81.0
ammonia .1
nitrate <5
pH 8.3
calcium 350 (i konw thats low)

i have no idea whats wrong, let alone how to fix it. Any help would be appericiated

-thanks

 

[MarksReef]

What is you Alk.?

 

[reverendmaynard]

If you really have ammonia of .1, that's probably your problem. I would add some amquel or prime quickly.

Sounds like either something died in the tank, or it was significantly overfed while you were away.

 

[jonnySouthFL]

dont know what the Alk. is. Running to get a test kit today.
also. what is a good level to have the ammonia at? i thought it should be 0.

 

[illal]

it should be 0

 

[LeeMc]

Who fed it while you we gone? If your chemistry is in proper balance you may want to try a Lugol's dip (iodine) as that will kill any bacteria that has taken hold to the tissue and give the critter a fighting chance.

 

[jonnySouthFL]

there was no one feeding it while i was gone..

the only thing i can think of is; i was adding "kent marine" calcium for the past couple weeks.
Would that raise the alk. any? or since i stoped adding it (b/c of vacation) cause some inbalace?

 

[LeeMc]

My alk typically runs high and I cannot keep my frogspawn or mushrooms in check. The mushrooms are spreading like weeds.

You will hear the same general comments when a problem is encountered - make sure your chemistry is correct. If not - correct it. Then, nurse the affected critter back to health - hence the suggestion to dip it even if prophylactic treatment.

 

[canesfan44]

bump

 

[Travis L. Stevens]

In my opinion, I would do a series of water changes. The Calcium is low, you don't know what your Alk is, and you're measuring Ammonia. You can add lots of things to the aquarium and prey that it will fix it, or you can do some water changes and level things out.

 

[jimwat]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9464591#post9464591 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jonnySouthFL
there was no one feeding it while i was gone..

the only thing i can think of is; i was adding "kent marine" calcium for the past couple weeks.
Would that raise the alk. any? or since i stoped adding it (b/c of vacation) cause some inbalace?

Adding just calcium would more likely lower your alk than raise it. Best to test for both and dose accordingly using a 2-part or kalk.

More than likely your problem is with the Ammonia.

BTW - this is exactly why I HATE leaving my tank in the care of anyone else!!