Help me and my crab out...

[scubaduderon]

Recently I lost an sps to bleaching. It's protector crab bailed and 2 days later it bleaches....

I haven't done testing in literally years. So long that I fear standards and methods have changed. I was wondering what I should be testing for in my mixed reef tank.

I specifically need to know what to test for and which test kits are the best for each.

Seems like the crab knew that something was wrong.... Well, maybe the crab doesn't need help after all. I do though.

I hope this isn't breaking any rules.... Is it?

Thank you,

Ron

 

[TOURKID]

alkalinity
ph
calcium
salinity
phosphate
nitrates
nitrites
ammonia

mmm...
theres alot more people test for...
but i like to test my salinity,alkalinity ph and calcium the most. and if things look weird i test for nitite,nitrate,ammonia and phos

edit: salifert test kits are the best to get. a bit pricey. but accuracy makes up for it.

 

[NewSchool04]

I'd start with Alkalinity and Calcium. I find the Salifert tests to be easy and accurate.

 

[Teremei]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7783479#post7783479 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TOURKID
alkalinity
ph
calcium
salinity
phosphate
nitrates
nitrites
ammonia

I think he meant, since he doesn't know what to test for, because of what happened, which of his elements might be the one causing the problem. .

Amonia
PH
Nitrates

Those are the 3 I'd start with. If his tank has been stable all that long I doubt it's going to be something like calcium, salinity, or nitrites. But you never know.

 

[scubaduderon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7783821#post7783821 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Teremei


Amonia
PH
Nitrates

Those are the 3 I'd start with. If his tank has been stable all that long I doubt it's going to be something like calcium, salinity, or nitrites. But you never know.

The tank has been extant for a little more than 2 years in it's present location. There are quite a few other corals that are not having problems. No huge algae problems or anything like that. A few very healthy fish and starfish.

Ron

 

[Sullyman]

Ron, if you've been running the tank for 2 years with limited testing, you're doing something right. Losing an Acro can happen for so many reasons, I wouldn't start second guessing myself.
How do you maintain your tank, water change intervals, adding supplements?
I don't like testing much myself but I'd check my Nitrates, Acro's don't do well with Nitrates. If the Nitrates are high, you could have a phosphate issue too. If that is the case, get some Rowa Phos and some Purigen to pull them out.