Thought I'd share in my mistakes-General Reef Topics-3reef Forums

Jason McKenzie · 03-10-2008, 09:30 AM

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

Otty · 03-10-2008, 09:39 AM

Nice to hear you got eveything under control. Can't wait to see the tank in May.

I too just had a heater issue on my tank this last week too. Caused me to buy an alarm module for my ACIII so it will sound an alarm next time conditions are not right.

Seems like it is always something.

missionsix66 · 03-10-2008, 09:40 AM

I'm still struggling with a few items myself Jason. My tank looks like crap right now too. Thanks for sharing.

omard · 03-10-2008, 09:41 AM

Gosh Jason, hope you recovered with minimal loss. Sorry...

I went thru almost same scenario couple of months ago due to a malfunctioning digital thermometer.

Am thinking of adding a second one of those "el-cheapo" water temp warning alarms (~$10 at Petco) to main tank, to provide secondary warning backup.

Think I will do so today.

When bad things happen to you, they happen "BIG" ---

Best wishes to you and aquarium.

Scott

Matt Rogers · 03-10-2008, 12:38 PM

Glad to hear it J. Sounds like you caught it in time. Amazing how our 'red flags' go off sometime.

lunatik_69 · 03-10-2008, 12:58 PM

Ditto, Im glad nothing died and everything is under control. Karma for the trouble.

baugherb · 03-10-2008, 01:16 PM

Glad everything is working out...

Notturnia · 03-10-2008, 02:33 PM

auch.. sry mate..

btw.. i can tell you many corals that seems dead can reborn.. i had a test of it years ago when i burned my tank because the chiller was broken..

now i can see some of them (after 1 year..) with some polips on them.... glad i didnt kepp them out the water.. and i feel so stupid i removed the other.. that may be still alive..

so GL

amcarrig · 03-11-2008, 10:14 AM

Wow! Sounds like you've had a few trials and tribulations there J! Glad to hear that you didn't lose anything!