zoo tank updates

My latest test sps frags have RTN'd. This is becoming quite bthe perplexing challenge. I am starting to nrun out of ideas. One thought I have is that our chemical media bucket may nnot be suitably be doing the job. The return line goes over a polyfiber pad and pours over the media but there does not appear bto be a lot of forceful contact with the water as it pours ogver the media. I wonder if we should try a canister filter to run the carbon, phasphate reducer etc. Since there is quite a bit of soft corals, allelopathic chemical warfare may be intefering with sps health. Any thoughts on this?

Regarding the sea horse tank, perhaps we should hold off on anything until after the holidays. Looks like folks will be busy for the next number of weeks.

Finally, the ro/di filter was commenced rougfhly 4 months ago. Approximately how frequently should filters/membranes be changed?
 
that depends how much they are actually being used. usually 6 months on filters, one year on DI, and 2 years on membtain. i think or i could have it backwards but i am sure nate will chime in and correct me if i am wrong.
 
Thanks to Vince for responding to a tank emergency. A carbon bag released its carbon contents (my fault that that happened) into the sump and it clogged the impeller on the Gen-x pump that runs the skimmer. I just ordered a new pump and should have it on Friday. I'll call the zoo and tell them to lighten up on feedings until its in place. Oh, well...such things will happen:(
 
My guess is the copper would have to be rewound since it pr0obably fried since the impeller was frozen while the pump ran. We can certainlly keep the needle wheel impeller for future use as a back up.
 
Another catastrophe has been averted. The zoo called this AM stating that the sump was flooded. I cancelled a patient and ran over. The sump float valve was stuck in the "on" position since the deep sand bucket had been inadvertently moved and prevented the float from moving. The salinity of the system had dropped nto 1.019. I drained out the excess water and added salt to the sump after shutting off the main pump. I agitated the sump with the mag pump for about an hour and turned on the main pump for about a minute and then shut it back down. This raised the salinity to about 1.022. The caretaker was shown how to turn the pump back on before she leaves at 4pm which should raise the salinity to about 1.024. I will head back on Friday to correct the salinity to optimal levels. Hopefully, the critters won't suffer from osmotic shock. So far all the critters look fine. The zoo staff learned more about the system by watching me take care of this stuff. The good news is I won't have to do a water change that was scheduled for this weekend:).
 
Interesting series of events. Are we ready to try some SPS's again. I can pull some frag from my tank. My lights are similar to the lights at the zoo.
 
What I think we should do Paul is collect some test kits and see as specifically as possible where water paramaters are. I recently tried a couple of sps frags and they quickly RTN'd. I don't think its the lights but possibly something with the water chemistry. I'm wondering if the DIY rock contains some contaminants that are effecting the sps corals. We should test for TDS, copper, other heavy metals and anything else we can think of. We should also do the basic tests since its possible the kits I've been using arten't accurate.
 
Have we checked calc/alk? We are running those automatic dosers, but dont have many stony corals to use it. Could it possibyl be getting too high? Or maybe we have large ph or temp swings?
It'd be nice if we had one of those controllers to stick in there for a day to record that stuff.
 
I've been checking Calcium and the zoo staff checks alk a few times per week. All look stable and within limits. Of course this is assuming our test instruments are accurate. Thats why I'd like to get folks with other test kits down there to cross validate. Temp as well is recorded three times daily and looks very stable.
 
Due to the holidays the skimmer pump won't be delivered untill Monday. If anyone has an extra skimmer that would be great. I have an Amiracle HOB I can throw on for the weekend. Its better than nothing.
 
I noticed this weekend that hair algae has increased in the zoo tank probably as a result of the skimmer having been off line for about one week (it is now up and running with a new pump). Any input on short term solutions. I was thginking of ordering a couple of lettuce nudibranchs offered for $12 each at Live Aquaria. I'll probably pick one up for myself. Our tangs don't appear to be big algae foragers possibly because they are so well fed. Perhaps I'll ask the zoo to cut out the midday feeding which will also decrease nutrients. I tested phosphates which appear quite low and I changed the phosphate remover and charcoal. I'll be doing a water change this week. At some point we may need a refugium. Please provide thoughts soon since i will place a live order. if anyone wants to piggy back indicate so on a seperate thread. I will possibly place an order Thursday for Friday delivery. I need a couple things anyway.
 
i am wondering the difference between the sea hair, and the lettece nudi? i iknow they are different animals but is the nudi better at eating algea than the sea hair? any who i think it is a good idea. i am goin to get one as well for my tank.
 
the lettuce nudibranches I've ever gotten were tiny (like 1", the size of a cerith), and didnt do much damage to algae.
Sea hares work great, but can starve after they finish all the hair algae.... although I'm sure we could pass it around as necessary... I know I could keep one well fed for a couple of weeks
 
Sea hare's are much better algae eaters than nudibranchs. My only concern is the ppossibility of toxifying the tank due to death or release of dye if frightened. Perhaps its
 
Sea hare's are much better algae eaters than nudibranchs. My only concern is the ppossibility of toxifying the tank due to death or release of dye if frightened. Perhaps its a weorthwhile risk. Anyone have knowledge/experience re. sea hares?
 
I did some more research and people indicate that sea hares typically don't pose a significant danger even if they ink the tank...apparently its non toxic. Dying can pose problems for the tank. Also mexican turbo snails appear to be effective with green hair algae removal. Any input is welcome!
 
the mexicans are pretty big and will mow anything over that is not secured down. but nate seems to be doing well with his. im sure he'll throw some input in here soon. that is what i thougth about the sea hair being better at eating than the nudi. i think i will give one a try. if the zoo doesnt get one and gets the mexicans, i can give mine to the zoo once he eats my algea.
 
I'm thinking of getting a sea hare and a few turbos for the zoo tank. As Adam said, we can circulate the sea hare among STRS members since they will quickly deplete their algae supply.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Itchy Trigger
Heaters for Sump and for Storage Tanks
Replies
2
Views
313
aquaman67
aquaman67
T
120 Gallon Mixed Reef Tank for Sale
Replies
6
Views
919
vanbro1
vanbro1
Paul B
The Benefit of Parasites
Replies
4
Views
680
kelly_12
K
Dr. Reef
Bacteria in a bottle, Myth or Fact
Replies
3
Views
605
jcarlilesiu
J
o2manyfish
6 Month update on 750g tank
Replies
13
Views
1K
bullitr
bullitr
Back
Top