 Thought I'd share in my mistakes
So I've been struggling lately. High ALK, STN, RTN, Funky algae growth, and Red Bugs.
My tank looked like absolute garbage. A lot of SPS lost their slime coat my purple Nana looked dead.
I treated for Red bugs and saw a remarkable improvement. but I use the word remarkable because the corals that where infected at least started to show signs of polyp extension.
I perform ALK tested every other day. And have my ALK in control
So it's water change day. I test the salinity of the water and it's quite low. 1.018 so I add more salt. But wait. The water feels really warm. I check the thermometer, no it's OK. I then dip my hand into the tank. Well no the change water is a lot hotter than the tank. So I take my controller thermometer and stick it in the change water 88F. I guess I'll check the SG of the tank. 1.033 HOLLY CRAP.
So after replacing the heater, thermometer and 6 days of lowering the SG. It is now 2 weeks of correct SG and ALK. and no red bugs. I have to say, I'm amazed at the bounce back. things that I thought where dead are springing back to life, Colour is returning and the tank is finally bringing me some Joy.
Things I've learned
-Despite never having a SG problem keep measuring your Display tank
-Check your maintenance hardware as you would your support hardware
-never use cheap heaters or thermometers
-you can never over test
J |