Rtn

[edandsandy]

I had a major nitrate problem in my tank, we did 2 80% water change outs, trying to keep the water parameters as close as possible. We lost our huge plate coral, not sure if it was from the stress of the nitrates or the water changes, now I seem to be battling RTN., it was on my acros's did a lugols dip a couple of times, that really helped, now my red blasto., is showing signs of RTN. My question is:
Is this like a cold in the tank, is it setting off a change reaction?

 

[edandsandy]

...

 

[hahnmeister]

RTNing can continue until the parameter that is causing the stress is eliminated. Flow, calcium levels, and alkalinity are big ones, as well as overexposure to light and heat. Those are things you might want to look into besides the nitrate, otherwise, it may continue because you havent identified the right problem (or all the problems).

 

[demonsp]

2 80% water changes sounds like a big reason for this.

 

[edandsandy]

Trust me, I will NEVER let anyone talk me into another change out that big EVER again. When you hire a professional to do the job, and they reassure you, you listen, because you think well they do this everyday, they must know what they are talking about. Not always.
A hard lesson learned. Like I said before, I think I got too stressed out from this too. I feel so sorry for the corals.

I took some some pics. last night while the lights were off. The tank seems to be settling down now.

 

[maxalmon]

I would have ran some phosban and carbon, can't hurt and it's not a major change to the tank. Problem with doing such a huge water change is sudden temp and pH change, Ca, MG, etc.... everything is drastic

Doing a water change will not eliminate the nitrate problem, did you ever figure out what the source was?

 

[edandsandy]

Yes, the best we could figure out was:
1) OVER FEEDING
2) not changing socks & filter media enough.
3) OVER FEEDING
I have reduced the amount of food for the fish and the corals.
Hard lesson learned.

 

[twon8]

many times i think we do more damage to our corals by moving them when they are stressed; dips only add to this stress. i would do a couple of 10% changes and run carbon.

what are your 4 powerheads?

 

[edandsandy]

2 rio's 800, 1 stage 4 korilla, 1 rio 1100