Power outages and teh ensuing problems they create.

[Quiet1]

Hi all!

I tend to be a lurker, so you won't know me.

Anyway, over the last three months my Tank and I have been through two power outages(the only two in six years....). Well the one was long enough for my microfauna to die off. No fish or corals have been lost. Because of the massive microfauna die off I have had a problem with cyanobateria all over the tank.

I have spent a lot of time siphoning the grud(cyano) out of my tank, with little effect. After some careful research and weighing of options. I have decided to completely replace the sand.

In preparation of replacing the sand I have visited the LFFS(Local Friendly Fish Stores, I stress friendly!!), including Elmers, Aquaworld, and Seahorse. I have spent much time looking at the live sand and live rock that these stores sell. I have not seen any sand that I care to purchase to reseed my tank with. I did not see much in the way of microfauna(pods, worms and other goodies) in the LS.

With all of that being said. I am making a plea to any friendly hobbiest out there that could spare me a cup of quality, slightly used LS that I can reseed my tank with. I am hopping that the more tanks I can pull from the better the results will be!

Thank you in advance of your kind consideration! Please PM me if you can help!

Thanks,
Armand Latour

 

[raynist]

You can have some from my 180g tank. Been up for 3 years.

 

[Quiet1]

Raynist,

That's groovy man! Thanks!!

Once I get a couple people lined up then I will get the project under way!

Thanks,
Armand

 

[BeanAnimal]

Quiet1,

What has lead you to believe that a total sand replacement is needed? Is the tank a DSB or SSB?

 

[Quiet1]

I have a DSB.

Allow me to say that I have moved this tank three times in the last six years and every time I have replaed the DSB to no ill effects.

I want to replace the sand because I believe there to still be a lot of nutrients from dead microfauna that is fueling the Cyano. Also, I believe that the new sand will give the reseed LS a frsh base to start with.

 

[BeanAnimal]

I suppose the plan has merit, but you are also taking a big risk by diminishing the natural nitrate reducation capacity of the sytem by a large percentage.

It will take several months for the new DSB to do anything useful.

Let us know how things go!

 

[Quiet1]

I am sorry. I left out part of the the plan about only replacing have the sand at one time.

I also have a decent amount of LR that is taying in the tank. So biological nuitrient transfer is going to be taxed, no doubt about it.

I would agree with you about the time frame. Except I have not witnessed any ill effects from the DSB being completely replaced and reseeded during previous tank moves.

Let me tell you, apartment liveing sucks!!!

Thanks,
Armand

 

[Quiet1]

I've got two helpers!!

Can I get one or two more?!

I am planing on being at the meeting this month and as many times as possible in the future because it is much closer to my house!!

Thanks,
Armand Latour