need help

hoot214 · 12/18/2009, 05:07 PM

Ive had my aquarium(14gal biocube) up for acouple of months now with no problem at all, then today all o the sudden ive noticed ive lost a hermit crab my pompom crab and my feather duster. I need ideas on what could have caused this all of the sudden. so far my two gobies and zoas and recorida seem to be doing fine but i want to nip this problem in the butt before i start loosing the corals and fish.

Lightsluvr · 12/18/2009, 05:13 PM

Inverts and filter feeders are like "canaries in the coal mine", if you understand that phrase... they often react first to water issues...

Back track like you were first starting your tank, and check for ammonia, nitrite and nitrates that may have slipped back into your tank. Verify your pH and salinity. Try a 20% water change with water that has been properly mixed and tested.

You are smart to keep watching your critters for changes in behavior or feeding... diligence will save you grief down the road...

LL

wab · 12/18/2009, 05:21 PM

hi, what about copper are you using tap water. +1 on test for everything and the more details about your tank the better rc can help. Good luck

hoot214 · 12/18/2009, 05:21 PM

I jsut did a 25% waterchange yesterday and from the test kits that i have my my results are as follows

phosphate 0

ammonia 0.25

nitrate 1.5

hoot214 · 12/18/2009, 05:26 PM

to add my specific gravity is holding at 1.025

hoot214 · 12/18/2009, 05:27 PM

temp is also a steady 78

wab · 12/18/2009, 05:28 PM

Are you using tap water

hoot214 · 12/18/2009, 06:49 PM

no not using tap water at all

Chiefsurfer · 12/18/2009, 07:07 PM

I would not be scared of that ammonia either, as it could be a result of the dead bodies in there, depending on how long they were dead before you found them. You can check that in another 12 hours or so, and should see a drop.

1.5 nitrates is pretty low as well, not too much to worry about. do you have oxygen test? Did you aerate the water for your water change? Other than that, I would suggest checking magnesium and alk.

hoot214 · 12/18/2009, 07:46 PM

my ph is about 8.3 and nitites are reading 0

Chiefsurfer · 12/18/2009, 08:06 PM

i'd see if either you, or your LFS can check magnesium, alk and oxygen. Other than the tiny bit of ammonia, I see nothing in your params.

12/18/2009, 05:07 PM	#1
hoot214 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: fort lauderdale Posts: 268	need help Ive had my aquarium(14gal biocube) up for acouple of months now with no problem at all, then today all o the sudden ive noticed ive lost a hermit crab my pompom crab and my feather duster. I need ideas on what could have caused this all of the sudden. so far my two gobies and zoas and recorida seem to be doing fine but i want to nip this problem in the butt before i start loosing the corals and fish.

12/18/2009, 05:13 PM	#2
Lightsluvr Tangaroa to 500 gallons Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 5,855	Inverts and filter feeders are like "canaries in the coal mine", if you understand that phrase... they often react first to water issues... Back track like you were first starting your tank, and check for ammonia, nitrite and nitrates that may have slipped back into your tank. Verify your pH and salinity. Try a 20% water change with water that has been properly mixed and tested. You are smart to keep watching your critters for changes in behavior or feeding... diligence will save you grief down the road... LL __________________ Click on my username and select "Lightsluvr's Home Page" for a recap of our build thread - AGE Hybrid Tank in a 500G system with dedicated fish room. (Takes a few minutes for photos to load) Leave a note if you stop by... Current Tank Info: 350G AGE Hybrid reef tank. 500G+ total water volume. Three sumps for filtration. Barracuda Gold return and Hammerhead Gold closed loop pumps. DIY T5 light system on rails. MP40W x3 to supplement closed loop. 130G Water management system.

12/18/2009, 05:21 PM	#3
wab Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: nj Posts: 512	hi, what about copper are you using tap water. +1 on test for everything and the more details about your tank the better rc can help. Good luck __________________ 1 year plus and still I DON'T KNOW!!!! LOL Current Tank Info: 45 high 30 breeder sump/refuge diy

12/18/2009, 05:28 PM	#7
wab Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: nj Posts: 512	Are you using tap water __________________ 1 year plus and still I DON'T KNOW!!!! LOL Current Tank Info: 45 high 30 breeder sump/refuge diy

12/18/2009, 05:26 PM	#5
hoot214 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: fort lauderdale Posts: 268	to add my specific gravity is holding at 1.025

12/18/2009, 05:27 PM	#6
hoot214 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: fort lauderdale Posts: 268	temp is also a steady 78

12/18/2009, 06:49 PM	#8
hoot214 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: fort lauderdale Posts: 268	no not using tap water at all

12/18/2009, 07:07 PM	#9
Chiefsurfer Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Seaside Park, NJ Posts: 2,138	I would not be scared of that ammonia either, as it could be a result of the dead bodies in there, depending on how long they were dead before you found them. You can check that in another 12 hours or so, and should see a drop. 1.5 nitrates is pretty low as well, not too much to worry about. do you have oxygen test? Did you aerate the water for your water change? Other than that, I would suggest checking magnesium and alk.

12/18/2009, 07:46 PM	#10
hoot214 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: fort lauderdale Posts: 268	my ph is about 8.3 and nitites are reading 0

12/18/2009, 08:06 PM	#11
Chiefsurfer Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Seaside Park, NJ Posts: 2,138	i'd see if either you, or your LFS can check magnesium, alk and oxygen. Other than the tiny bit of ammonia, I see nothing in your params.