Foggy Waters

*** THREAD UPDATE ***

So today after stopping in on my LFS and grabbing 10 Gallons of R.O. water , I had a chat with the owners son (good guy/knowledgable). I told him that the Urchin I bought the other day was empty. I then proceeded to talk to him about how my Phosphates and Nitrates are thru the roof even after I used the Phosphate-E he suggested. After a short dicussion about it he suggested that I bring in a water sample and the Urchin.

So an hour later I arrived with the water sample and Urchin... He was really surprised to see it empty. After a few minutes of BS'ing we tested my Phosphate and Nitrate levels even though I tested them the night before. So before I get into the results he got at the LFS I will say that my Chemical Tester set I use is from API. I read a 2.0 on Phosphates and between 40-80 mg/L on Nitrates.

So after he used his more professional looking tests on Phosphates and Nitrates we came to a surprise. It showed Phospahte @ 1.0 (still high) but Nitrates @ 0 mg/L... even though I showed 40-80 last night??? So now have now faith in my testing chemicals.... great!

After the results he was kind enough to offer me a small discount on some fish since the Urchin I bought the other day was empty. So I proceeded to get another Black & White Clownfish (didn't know at the time that they will fight!) and a small Volitan Lionfish for under $100 out the door. Needless to say that I am fairly happy with myself about getting the tank on its feet.

I did replace about 5 gallons with RO water today so that should help. Now I just got to make sure that my new B&W Clownfish doesn't get injured or killed. I really hope that they will become a breeding pair.

I will be moving in 2 weeks down the road so I hope all goes well!!!!

Anyone have any suggestions on LIVE Feeder SW fish? I have a bunch of other things to use but I would like to find something else to stock up on in my 10G tank.

Thanks!!
-Derrick

 

Have you considered testing the ro water that you're getting from your lfs for phosphates, nitrates, etc.? Have you tested your tank water for calcium/alkalinity/magnesium?

Have anyone mentioned the fact that your foggy water may be the result of a bacteria bloom (I just skimmed this thread but don't think I saw it mentioned).

Not sure what you need saltwater feeders for but the only ones that I know of are silversides. Unfortunately, I have never seen them sold live in any stores around here. You might get lucky though.