Need help trouble shooting...

Gary Majchrzak said:
How is PO4 measured? True zero is to be avoided. For starters...
I would feed heavier and do larger 20 gallon changes.
Click to expand...

PO4 was measured twice over the last two weeks at CF. Not sure exactly what test kit they use.

I have two thoughts running in my head right now. I just keep going back to the fact that when I added the Duncan and the original zoos, they grew relatively rapidly. What changed after that? I added the hammer and the large pink leather, and saw a micro algae (hair) in the fuge. The chaeto and the hair both grow regularly on opposite sides of the fuge. So right now I'm thinking...
1) the leather is chemically inhibiting the growth of the corals
2) the fuge is depleting the tank of nutrients

I don't know, so confused. :uhoh3:

I guess for now I will decrease the light time in the fuge and feed heavier and check for improvements. Seem reasonable?:confused:
 
I'm not sure I would feed any heavier, but I do think putting in an Ro unit and decreasing fuge time has a decent chance of solving your problems
 
As said I would feed more, it looks like your tank is starved for nutrients. Your fuge looks like it's growing but it's brown not nice and green. You could also try backing off on the lighting until your corals recover a bit. That's a lot of light for a 30gal especially if the corals are stressed.
 
Ok, thanks for the input so far. I would say that this is a 50g-55g system. How big would you go on a water change?
 
+1 for using an RO system. I would suspect leather corals as well.

I would try to get a better measure of phosphate with a Hanna Checker or similar (it's not zero), as I agree it does look nutrient starved. I can stop over to measure with mine if you want.
What kind of salt mix do you use?

For reference, I have been running a 40 gallon holding tank with no skimmer, 1x per month water changes, and a heavy fish load (hippo tang, yellow tang, starry blenny, large clown) for 6 months and everything is growing like crazy. Corals like fish poop!
 
Thanks Will!

I am not on well water, like I mentioned earlier, there is a water softener on the supply line of the house. Not sure if that would influence anything. If anyone can give some evidence that it is having a negative effect on the tank I can manually turn it off anytime I use the faucet for the sink. When it was installed I could not find any info that led me to believe it would be bad for the tank. BTW, my skin has felt great since the install :clown:

If the leather is the culprit I would imagine a large water change would at least temporarily give some relief to the other corals and I would see some improvement.
 
Gary, I fed the anemone a tiny piece of shrimp last week. He consumed it, shriveled up a bit and started to move. Not sure if that was the reason.
 
It is a matter of turning a valve to send "regular" water for tank. I guess I should have been doing that all along.
 
I wanted to update this thread. I have done a couple 15g water changes in addition to the 5g weekly changes and I have increased my feeding.

All corals seem to be doing about the same with the exception of the large pink leather. It doesn't like whatever is going on and is not extending like it used to. The anemone seems to be doing good. All other corals look the same. I also have hair algae growing on the substrate and a little on the glass. Chaeto growth has also increased.

I have ordered a RODI unit, so I hope that will bring some changes in the positive direction when I get it up and running. It should be here next week.
 
Did you ever end up using water that didnt run through your softener?

Also Walmart carries water in one gallon jugs with green caps that is RO filtered. Might be a good alternative for people that cant buy a unit. I have never tested it though. I guess i could do that when i get home.
 
Yeah, I forgot to mention that. I have been using "non softened" water since that time as well.

I have been in this hobby long enough that I should have purchased a RODI unit years ago. No real reason I haven't, I would say money was the main reason but they are not that expensive so that's probably not a good excuse/reason. Hopefully within a couple months of "clean" water and some large water changes I see some improvements.

Again, I will keep everyone updated. I really do appreciate everyone's input.
 
I have always used "Softened" ro water with out DI and have never had issues.....I have had issues with salt brands in the past. Softening the water just removes calcium and magnesium from the water. Do you have any other water treatment? Does your softener use salt or potassium permaganate? Do you have a chlorinater? Just some other curiosities.
If you have a salt softener it uses an ion exchange resin similar to DI.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

B
NEED HELP!
Replies
2
Views
133
JohnL
JohnL
G
New here! Here’s my 150G tall glass cages mixed reef aquarium
Replies
10
Views
453
Uncle99
Uncle99
T
Alternative Lighting for Biocube 29
Replies
0
Views
113
thommyboy12183
T
J
  • Question Question
refugium help
Replies
4
Views
291
wvned
wvned
J
Corals for the first time!
Replies
14
Views
3K
griss
griss
Back
Top