Have I done Okay?

01rs25 · 08/13/2009, 09:57 AM

I've had this tank setup for about 2 years now, but recently it was over run by algae even with my best efforts to prevent it.

I left the lights off for long periods of time, added a phos reactor, dosed with Phospha-E and did multiple water changes a week all to no avail.

This past week I decided to completely break the tank down and do a full cleaning. The sand, and live rock remained in the tank, but the pumps filters and everything else was removed in order for it to be cleaned, rinsed and fully reworked.

I removed a lot of chaeto in the refugium and left with just a small clump, it will grow to be huge in a couple of weeks. Did I do the right thing, or have I totally destroyed my tanks balance?

I know its not the most conventional setup but heres a picture after the cleaning.

badfish · 08/13/2009, 10:28 AM

I think your tank will be fine. Test your parameters.

You might want to take a new picture with out the drawing of the nude girl on you white board.

Whisperer · 08/13/2009, 10:31 AM

Likely not. It is also possible for the algae to grow back. Keep your phosphates controlled.
PS: What's up with the drawing on the whiteboard?

TwistedEnvy · 08/13/2009, 10:44 AM

LOL, too funny with the drawing.

Snakebyt · 08/13/2009, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Whisperer

PS: What's up with the drawing on the whiteboard?

lol.. that is great

01rs25 · 08/13/2009, 10:57 AM

Drunk nights lead to funny pictures...

I'll keep an eye on the perameters, as for the picture. I'll leave it, theres nothing wrong with a little humor on the boards. I think were all grown adults.

blumoon reefers · 08/13/2009, 11:14 AM

not that I am offended, because I am not....but I did recently discover that there are a lot more teenagers on this forum than we think.....

Michael · 08/13/2009, 11:16 AM

yeah youve done alright, however its a good job im not modding this forum lol, the drawing on the whiteboard should be banned haha, however only after ive looked at it again

01rs25 · 08/13/2009, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by blumoon reefers
not that I am offended, because I am not....but I did recently discover that there are a lot more teenagers on this forum than we think.....

You assume incorrectly... I'm not a teenager, but I do enjoy having a good time.

And I'm old enough to legally drink.

mods if the picture is really that inappropriate, I'll remove the picture.

Whisperer · 08/13/2009, 12:09 PM

That'll keep your clown awake at night.

jhawkor · 08/13/2009, 01:02 PM

lol plus the random Zombies on the top right of the board.

cobbobby · 08/13/2009, 02:40 PM

Did you find out what caused the algae?

01rs25 · 08/13/2009, 08:30 PM

To be honest, I really have no idea why the algae problem... I have always kept up on water changes and tank maintence in general... The phos reactor was added in order to reduce the algae, but I never noticed a difference.

When water changes are performed, I usually try and suck all debris from the main tank, rather then removing water from the sump. Its usually about 7-10 gallons a week.

As far as perameters, it looks as if my tank will have to cycle again. I guess I cleaned it too well.

Taken tonight:

Salinity: 1.026
Calcium: 300ppm
KH: 7dKH or 125.3ppm
Phosphate: 0
Nitrate: 15
Nitrite: 0
Ammonia: .50
Ph: 8

So a water change will be in order tom, and hopefully everthing will start to get under control. Anything I should add in order to help accelerate the cycle. I remember using biospira previously with extremely good results.

I'm also running Instant Ocean, but when the remaining 10lbs or so I have left is gone, I plan to switch in order to help with the calcium, and KH problems I'm having. I do use b-ionic daily.

Should I run my skimmer a bit more wet temporarily?

Any help would be appreciated.

Flipper62 · 08/13/2009, 09:18 PM

First.....your Calcium level is way too low if your going to keep any corals.

You should keep it in the 450 range.

What salt mix are you using ???

01rs25 · 08/13/2009, 09:34 PM

I figured that, and its the reason I dose with B-ionic.

I'm using instant ocean but plan to switch when I run out of the remaining 10lbs or so that I have left.

Anything else I should be using or doing?

Flipper62 · 08/13/2009, 09:43 PM

Instant Ocean is a great salt, but better for a fish only tank. Its very low in Calcium.

Some Reefers like to use it because they like to add sups. This way they can control whats added to the tank & the amounts.

I like Oceanic Natral Sea Salt Mix, The Calcium starts at 580.

01rs25 · 08/13/2009, 09:57 PM

Any idea what I should be doing other then water changes in order to alleviate my elevated water perameters...

I'm really not to terribly concerned other then my increasing ammonia levels.

EverettReef · 08/13/2009, 10:06 PM

The GEICO eyes want to talk to you about running them over in that acident of yours.

How old is your ammonia test kit? Above 0 seems odd in a cycled tank, but maybe that is just me.

01rs25 · 08/13/2009, 10:19 PM

The ammonia test kit is probably over a year or so old.

I have another, that I'll use tom to see if they match up.

Thats the problem, I did a pretty serious cleaning, and have a feeling I may have to recycle the tank, thus the reason for this thread.

Although I would have imagine, that if I had high ammonia levels, my nitrites would also be realitively high if I were to recycle. There perfect at the moment, but I'll keep an eye on them.

Water change tomorrow. It seems the faster I get through this salt the better my water quality may be.

Flipper62 · 08/13/2009, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 01rs25
The ammonia test kit is probably over a year or so old.

Most tests kits are no good after a year. However you need to check the dates on the package.

One thing to remember is that date also includes the shelf time.

You may buy a test kit from your LFS & think....well its good for 1 year. HOWEVER if the date on the box is 6 months old....then your test kit is realy only good for another 6 months.

01rs25 · 08/14/2009, 09:31 AM

I'll pick up a new ammonia test kit then...

However comparing it to my other test kit, it read roughly about the same.

I have both an API kit as well as a red sea kit. They both show roughly the same results.

Could they both be bad?

sedor · 08/14/2009, 09:53 AM

I don't think your test kits are bad.

When you cleaned everything out and basically did a 100% WC you got rid of most of your bacteria and probably caused a little die off which thus caused a cycle. Your ammonia will probably go up higher and you actually may not notice nitrites at all. You probably end up with fairly high nitrates. Best thing you can do is keep doing frequent WC's.

01rs25 · 08/14/2009, 10:00 AM

Not exactly what I wanted to hear...

But I kind of expected that. What would you guys recommend in order to keep Nitrates in order?

The refugium will shortly fill up with chaeto. I could start the phosphate reactor, although its currently running carbon in order to clear the water column and remove any excess things in the water from the cleaning, as well as the fresh water.

Would vodka dosing be appropriate in my situation?

01rs25 · 08/15/2009, 05:32 AM

Bump for some info

bekindtoyurbuds · 08/15/2009, 08:40 AM

Im sorry I don't have anything to add but.....
LOL, the naked lady made be laugh!

This will at least bump you back to the top.

08/13/2009, 09:57 AM	#1
01rs25 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: B-more Posts: 52	Have I done Okay? I've had this tank setup for about 2 years now, but recently it was over run by algae even with my best efforts to prevent it. I left the lights off for long periods of time, added a phos reactor, dosed with Phospha-E and did multiple water changes a week all to no avail. This past week I decided to completely break the tank down and do a full cleaning. The sand, and live rock remained in the tank, but the pumps filters and everything else was removed in order for it to be cleaned, rinsed and fully reworked. I removed a lot of chaeto in the refugium and left with just a small clump, it will grow to be huge in a couple of weeks. Did I do the right thing, or have I totally destroyed my tanks balance? I know its not the most conventional setup but heres a picture after the cleaning.

08/13/2009, 10:28 AM	#2
badfish Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Phx, AZ Posts: 1,970	I think your tank will be fine. Test your parameters. You might want to take a new picture with out the drawing of the nude girl on you white board. __________________ "My second home is a third world cantina" RCPM Current Tank Info: Not big enough.

08/13/2009, 10:31 AM	#3
Whisperer Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Punta Gorda, FL Posts: 4,020	Likely not. It is also possible for the algae to grow back. Keep your phosphates controlled. PS: What's up with the drawing on the whiteboard? __________________ The bitterness of poor quality lingers long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten. --------- No one is born with intellect and age guarantees wisdom to no one. Current Tank Info: 120G reef, 30G sump, 10G QT tank

08/13/2009, 10:44 AM	#4
TwistedEnvy Acan Freak Join Date: May 2009 Location: West Allis, Wisconsin Posts: 731	LOL, too funny with the drawing. __________________ -Nikki, acan addict Current Tank Info: 29 Red Sea Max, LPS Dominated

08/13/2009, 11:14 AM	#7
blumoon reefers Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 449	not that I am offended, because I am not....but I did recently discover that there are a lot more teenagers on this forum than we think..... __________________ Chuck and Milissa Current Tank Info: 150 gal with 40b sump/fuge

08/13/2009, 10:57 AM	#6
01rs25 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: B-more Posts: 52	Drunk nights lead to funny pictures... I'll keep an eye on the perameters, as for the picture. I'll leave it, theres nothing wrong with a little humor on the boards. I think were all grown adults.

08/13/2009, 11:16 AM	#8
Michael NTTH Rookie Help Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Gloucester, England,UK Posts: 7,808 Blog Entries: 6	yeah youve done alright, however its a good job im not modding this forum lol, the drawing on the whiteboard should be banned haha, however only after ive looked at it again __________________ Don't be afraid to ask questions, we in the new to the hobby are here to help you [For My Tank Spec,Photo Album,Articles and website, click on my name] MY Very Kindest and Warmest Regards , MIKE Current Tank Info: I have a 92 gal Corner Tank, and way too many pieces of equipment to list really, (proud member of the reef central corner club)

08/13/2009, 12:09 PM	#10
Whisperer Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Punta Gorda, FL Posts: 4,020	That'll keep your clown awake at night. __________________ The bitterness of poor quality lingers long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten. --------- No one is born with intellect and age guarantees wisdom to no one. Current Tank Info: 120G reef, 30G sump, 10G QT tank

08/13/2009, 01:02 PM	#11
jhawkor Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Kansas Posts: 939	lol plus the random Zombies on the top right of the board. __________________ -Landon-

08/13/2009, 02:40 PM	#12
cobbobby Moved On Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: At a Tea Party Posts: 393	Did you find out what caused the algae?

08/13/2009, 08:30 PM	#13
01rs25 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: B-more Posts: 52	To be honest, I really have no idea why the algae problem... I have always kept up on water changes and tank maintence in general... The phos reactor was added in order to reduce the algae, but I never noticed a difference. When water changes are performed, I usually try and suck all debris from the main tank, rather then removing water from the sump. Its usually about 7-10 gallons a week. As far as perameters, it looks as if my tank will have to cycle again. I guess I cleaned it too well. Taken tonight: Salinity: 1.026 Calcium: 300ppm KH: 7dKH or 125.3ppm Phosphate: 0 Nitrate: 15 Nitrite: 0 Ammonia: .50 Ph: 8 So a water change will be in order tom, and hopefully everthing will start to get under control. Anything I should add in order to help accelerate the cycle. I remember using biospira previously with extremely good results. I'm also running Instant Ocean, but when the remaining 10lbs or so I have left is gone, I plan to switch in order to help with the calcium, and KH problems I'm having. I do use b-ionic daily. Should I run my skimmer a bit more wet temporarily? Any help would be appreciated. __________________ I just saved a bunch of money on my car insurance... By fleeing the scene of an accident. Current Tank Info: Reef

08/13/2009, 09:18 PM	#14
Flipper62 Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Naperville, Il. Business Owner, President & CEO Posts: 3,045	First.....your Calcium level is way too low if your going to keep any corals. You should keep it in the 450 range. What salt mix are you using ??? __________________ If todays automobile had followed the same development as the computer, A Rolls Royce would cost $100.00. It would get a million miles per gallon, but it would explode once a year killing everyone inside." Current Tanks... 90 gal Reef... My awesome Office BioCube....( 180 was on hold ..no time ) ... The 180 gal has been sold...Yay..yay..yay. Hobby Experience: 19 years Reef...22 years FW

08/13/2009, 09:34 PM	#15
01rs25 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: B-more Posts: 52	I figured that, and its the reason I dose with B-ionic. I'm using instant ocean but plan to switch when I run out of the remaining 10lbs or so that I have left. Anything else I should be using or doing? __________________ I just saved a bunch of money on my car insurance... By fleeing the scene of an accident. Current Tank Info: Reef

08/13/2009, 09:43 PM	#16
Flipper62 Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Naperville, Il. Business Owner, President & CEO Posts: 3,045	Instant Ocean is a great salt, but better for a fish only tank. Its very low in Calcium. Some Reefers like to use it because they like to add sups. This way they can control whats added to the tank & the amounts. I like Oceanic Natral Sea Salt Mix, The Calcium starts at 580. __________________ If todays automobile had followed the same development as the computer, A Rolls Royce would cost $100.00. It would get a million miles per gallon, but it would explode once a year killing everyone inside." Current Tanks... 90 gal Reef... My awesome Office BioCube....( 180 was on hold ..no time ) ... The 180 gal has been sold...Yay..yay..yay. Hobby Experience: 19 years Reef...22 years FW

08/13/2009, 09:57 PM	#17
01rs25 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: B-more Posts: 52	Any idea what I should be doing other then water changes in order to alleviate my elevated water perameters... I'm really not to terribly concerned other then my increasing ammonia levels. __________________ I just saved a bunch of money on my car insurance... By fleeing the scene of an accident. Current Tank Info: Reef

08/13/2009, 10:06 PM	#18
EverettReef Lounge Pariah Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Everett, Wa Posts: 257	The GEICO eyes want to talk to you about running them over in that acident of yours. How old is your ammonia test kit? Above 0 seems odd in a cycled tank, but maybe that is just me. __________________ Bruce

08/13/2009, 10:19 PM	#19
01rs25 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: B-more Posts: 52	The ammonia test kit is probably over a year or so old. I have another, that I'll use tom to see if they match up. Thats the problem, I did a pretty serious cleaning, and have a feeling I may have to recycle the tank, thus the reason for this thread. Although I would have imagine, that if I had high ammonia levels, my nitrites would also be realitively high if I were to recycle. There perfect at the moment, but I'll keep an eye on them. Water change tomorrow. It seems the faster I get through this salt the better my water quality may be. __________________ I just saved a bunch of money on my car insurance... By fleeing the scene of an accident. Current Tank Info: Reef

08/14/2009, 09:31 AM	#21
01rs25 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: B-more Posts: 52	I'll pick up a new ammonia test kit then... However comparing it to my other test kit, it read roughly about the same. I have both an API kit as well as a red sea kit. They both show roughly the same results. Could they both be bad? __________________ I just saved a bunch of money on my car insurance... By fleeing the scene of an accident. Current Tank Info: Reef

08/14/2009, 09:53 AM	#22
sedor Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 4,689	I don't think your test kits are bad. When you cleaned everything out and basically did a 100% WC you got rid of most of your bacteria and probably caused a little die off which thus caused a cycle. Your ammonia will probably go up higher and you actually may not notice nitrites at all. You probably end up with fairly high nitrates. Best thing you can do is keep doing frequent WC's. __________________ Ryan

08/14/2009, 10:00 AM	#23
01rs25 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: B-more Posts: 52	Not exactly what I wanted to hear... But I kind of expected that. What would you guys recommend in order to keep Nitrates in order? The refugium will shortly fill up with chaeto. I could start the phosphate reactor, although its currently running carbon in order to clear the water column and remove any excess things in the water from the cleaning, as well as the fresh water. Would vodka dosing be appropriate in my situation? __________________ I just saved a bunch of money on my car insurance... By fleeing the scene of an accident. Current Tank Info: Reef

08/15/2009, 05:32 AM	#24
01rs25 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: B-more Posts: 52	Bump for some info __________________ I just saved a bunch of money on my car insurance... By fleeing the scene of an accident. Current Tank Info: Reef

08/15/2009, 08:40 AM	#25
bekindtoyurbuds Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Riverside Ca Posts: 374	Im sorry I don't have anything to add but..... LOL, the naked lady made be laugh! This will at least bump you back to the top.