Meltdown

[FreshReefer]

Well 3 weeks ago I had a meltdown in my tank. I had set up a new delivery pump for my calcium reactor. I set the drip rate Monday and watched the parameters until I left Thursday to go camping. When I got home the tank PH was really low and all my parameters were way out of whack.

Most of the SPS was dead and the palys/zoas were dissolved. The fish were fine. I was able to save some of the duncans, acans, and a few other small frags. (Thanks to Jake)

I am working on getting the tank back to normal but all the death caused some algae outbreaks. Let this be a lesson to me and others watch out when you leave on vacation.

 

[gdm42001]

:sad1:How long were you gone?

 

[FreshReefer]

I was gone Thursday morning to Monday night.

 

[Reef Bass]

Sorry to hear that Owen. That sucks. Let me know when your tank is stable again and I'll cut you a couple frags if you'd like.

In my opinion, the lesson here is not necessarily "don't go away", but if possible, don't install new equipment (or livestock) before going away.

 

[northbay-reefer]

Owen, sorry to hear about that, need any help let me know I am close by. I can show you how to set things up so you can leave on vacation without worries.

 

[Grant W]

Sorry to hear about the probs. Owen let me know if you need anything. Grant

 

[FreshReefer]

Thanks guys, I was able to save about 8 small pieces of coral. I am going to change my tank around. I am getting rid of the rock wall and deciding whether to use lace rock like Tom or a minimal amount of Live Rock like Jake. I also will be changing my substrate to something in the 1-2mm range instead of the fine sand I have now.

I also bought a aquacontroller 3 to help me control the reactor and my tank. What i will need no is a nice return pump as I am pretty sure the posiedon ps4 is pumping too much heat into the water.

 

[Grant W]

Sounds good Owen your turning a disaster into a fresh start let us know when you are ready and I'll give you an assist with the repopulation of your tank. BTW which way are you going to go sps, mixed reef or what let us know. Grant

 

[northbay-reefer]

Owen, I am happen to have a brand spanking new 50 lbs bag of larger reef sand, come by and check it out. if you like the size, then its yours.

 

[AMAYEU]

I primarily have zoas. If you would like I can bring some to the next meeting. Just PM me when your tank is dialed back in.

Mike