SPS bugs!

[Saltwaternooby]

In reference to him losing corals, those bugs dont appear to be "red bugs(yellow bugs)," and unless he has some new pest probably not causing his issue.

Even red bugs do not usually cause death to acros, just irritate them and make them look unhappy. I have seen a few awesome looking tanks and on close inspection had red bugs.

 

[psykobowler]

Bugs on sps isn't caused by going to fast on stuff. Not sure why you two are referencing this. However, I do agree when it comes to other situations besides the bugs can you both clarify a little more? I'm a little confused to why you are starting this under the current situation.

Bugs were found on the corals but chances are they are more likely red bugs and not Acropora eating flatworms. Red bugs don't kill corals that fast, more like a nuisance, Acropora eating flatworms do kill quick. The setosa will likely survive but since it died quickly an alk swing is the more likely cause of his acros dying. The op wants to do a huge water change in hopes of resolving his issue but others are saying he is reacting too fast and warn against it. Alk at 11 is pretty high. I have acroporas that start to stn at the base when the alk get that high so I leave it around 8 or 9. Higher alk does not necessarily make tank conditions any better. Fyi, most store bought saltwater in our area are just rodi water mixed with instant ocean. Most Lfs does not even use reef crystals for the saltwater they sell. It is way cheaper to just buy the bag of instant ocean and make your own water. The Lfs don't add anything to bump magnesium, calcium or alk. I use reef crystals too but I still bump magnesium weekly.

 

[rockryno]

There were definitely red/white bugs on the corals. not a lot, but a few. Hopefullly my recent Bayer dip took care of them. I never noticed any AEFWs, and don't think I have any.
I agree that some water problem was encountered the same time I noticed the bugs - most likely an alk swing.
I don't blame the bugs for the dying sps. I know enough that they would just irritate, not rtn. I do 5 gal weekly water changes and haven't deviated from that schedule, despite the problem.
I only buy the RODI water from yourreef, and mix it myself with Reef Crystals. I highly doubt its the water, im sure they would have had problems if that were the case.
No I do not dose, and never have had to. Yes the tank is pretty new (2 mo). I grew awesome sps in a non dosed, non skimmed, non sumped 10g for over 2 years, and want to replicate that in this tank.
I think this boils down to sitting back and letting the tank find its rhythm. yes im sure I got a dirty frag with bugs, but that problem should be taken care of. If not, Ill dip the affected frags again. as far as the chemistry goes, ill stick to my WC schedule and monitor the params. If, after a while, I find a pattern of alk or calk deficiency, then ill look into dosing.

thanks for everyones help. hopefully this clears up soon.

 

[TigeBell]

Thanks Anthony and Glenn for your explanation.

 

[Saltwaternooby]

Anytime, we will be going over pest id and treatment in Feb.

 

[TigeBell]

Anytime, we will be going over pest id and treatment in Feb.

That will be a nice meeting to attend. Looking forward to that. :bounce1: