crashing

saltymight · 12/15/2008, 08:29 PM

I'm pretty sure my tank is staring to crash. Its been about 3 months were there has been the red slime algea has taken control. i tired adding more water movemnt. added another water filtration system. and added a air stone. also the normal 3 week water thange of 10 percent. cut back to feeding every other day the blue lights have been on for like 2 months now and its bearly gotten better. not my nitrates or high, two of my fish died with in a two days. my last one is being trasported to my other tankand ways its a 55 gallon with maybe 40 pounds live sand 75 pounds live rock skimmer always used puifured water no tap at all. once hob power filter than a febel or somthing filter that pumps water out to its fliter media of like 4 layers than filters it back. i know no refugum tank or anything i never had an issue my last time i started my 55 gallon up...(I joined the army and had to break it donw at one point than opened up back up again about a year ago). back in march the water use to be crystal clear. i just dont under stand i feel like such a turd for the deaths of my fish and not being to help them since im not at home all the time my mom usually takes care of it and she does a pretty good job.. any idead on how to get things back together. oh yea my bio load was 1 flame angel, tomato clown, yellow watchmen gopy. than sand sifter star, 10 turbo snails about 5 asalin w/e its spelled. than 12 red scarlet hermits. its not even a big bio load and i know i was not over feeding any suggestions?

Fish_wiz2 · 12/15/2008, 08:39 PM

First, i want to thank you for serving our country!

Second, don't feel bad to the point of giving up, good thing you came to us. i recommend you get a sump with a fuge or HOB fuge whether DIY from a HOB filter or a dedicated one, then a phosphate sponge should be added with a reactor to efficiently use the media. once that is done continue the weekly water changes and try to remove it manually. cut back on feedings and try to leave the tank dark for 3 days or cut back on lighting (if you see side effects then stop and resume normal schedule). it should go away slowly but it starts with what you started with so use a RO/DI water (whether homemade of LFS) and AVOID tap at ALL times for waterchanges or top-off.
Good luck and be strong solider

saltymight · 12/15/2008, 08:44 PM

how much about is it to get HOB I'm gonna be gone for the next year soon so i dont wanna bother with the sump with fuge with all the pumps and hoses my mom would flood the basment if the power went out.

E.intheC · 12/15/2008, 08:46 PM

I'm going to agree with the above post. And I'll add that it's probably a good idea to re-examine your skimmer and equipment. Make sure everything is running well. Nutrient export is really a great way to get rid of hair algae.
You might want to increase water changes to 20% weekly for a few months, and use RO/DI water.
I'll also add that hair algae is something that happens to all of us.
You'll get it. Stay patient!

Fish_wiz2 · 12/15/2008, 08:47 PM

Well do you have a skimmer? if not one with a skimmer built in is around $300 and without $160 (note both are rated for your aquarium)

saltymight · 12/16/2008, 04:22 AM

yes i have a roma or something around that type skimmer it works awsome i think 1200 series

saltymight · 12/16/2008, 04:23 AM

the algae is actually im pretty sure that red slime though like the bacteria that i get in corners but speads like crazy

12/15/2008, 08:29 PM	#1
saltymight Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Clay, Ny Posts: 860	crashing I'm pretty sure my tank is staring to crash. Its been about 3 months were there has been the red slime algea has taken control. i tired adding more water movemnt. added another water filtration system. and added a air stone. also the normal 3 week water thange of 10 percent. cut back to feeding every other day the blue lights have been on for like 2 months now and its bearly gotten better. not my nitrates or high, two of my fish died with in a two days. my last one is being trasported to my other tankand ways its a 55 gallon with maybe 40 pounds live sand 75 pounds live rock skimmer always used puifured water no tap at all. once hob power filter than a febel or somthing filter that pumps water out to its fliter media of like 4 layers than filters it back. i know no refugum tank or anything i never had an issue my last time i started my 55 gallon up...(I joined the army and had to break it donw at one point than opened up back up again about a year ago). back in march the water use to be crystal clear. i just dont under stand i feel like such a turd for the deaths of my fish and not being to help them since im not at home all the time my mom usually takes care of it and she does a pretty good job.. any idead on how to get things back together. oh yea my bio load was 1 flame angel, tomato clown, yellow watchmen gopy. than sand sifter star, 10 turbo snails about 5 asalin w/e its spelled. than 12 red scarlet hermits. its not even a big bio load and i know i was not over feeding any suggestions?

12/15/2008, 08:39 PM	#2
Fish_wiz2 Mangroves are kool. Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Chicago Posts: 5,246	First, i want to thank you for serving our country! Second, don't feel bad to the point of giving up, good thing you came to us. i recommend you get a sump with a fuge or HOB fuge whether DIY from a HOB filter or a dedicated one, then a phosphate sponge should be added with a reactor to efficiently use the media. once that is done continue the weekly water changes and try to remove it manually. cut back on feedings and try to leave the tank dark for 3 days or cut back on lighting (if you see side effects then stop and resume normal schedule). it should go away slowly but it starts with what you started with so use a RO/DI water (whether homemade of LFS) and AVOID tap at ALL times for waterchanges or top-off. Good luck and be strong solider __________________ -The Wiz Current Tank Info: Elos Mini Seahorse Tank, 2500 gallon Koi pond

12/15/2008, 08:46 PM	#4
E.intheC Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 5,373	I'm going to agree with the above post. And I'll add that it's probably a good idea to re-examine your skimmer and equipment. Make sure everything is running well. Nutrient export is really a great way to get rid of hair algae. You might want to increase water changes to 20% weekly for a few months, and use RO/DI water. I'll also add that hair algae is something that happens to all of us. You'll get it. Stay patient! __________________ -Eric

12/15/2008, 08:47 PM	#5
Fish_wiz2 Mangroves are kool. Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Chicago Posts: 5,246	Well do you have a skimmer? if not one with a skimmer built in is around $300 and without $160 (note both are rated for your aquarium) __________________ -The Wiz Current Tank Info: Elos Mini Seahorse Tank, 2500 gallon Koi pond

12/15/2008, 08:44 PM	#3
saltymight Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Clay, Ny Posts: 860	how much about is it to get HOB I'm gonna be gone for the next year soon so i dont wanna bother with the sump with fuge with all the pumps and hoses my mom would flood the basment if the power went out.

12/16/2008, 04:22 AM	#6
saltymight Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Clay, Ny Posts: 860	yes i have a roma or something around that type skimmer it works awsome i think 1200 series

12/16/2008, 04:23 AM	#7
saltymight Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Clay, Ny Posts: 860	the algae is actually im pretty sure that red slime though like the bacteria that i get in corners but speads like crazy