Major Disaster 6 Month Tank Crash!!!! - Page 3

Runfrumu · 09/01/2008, 09:39 AM

I'd send in some water to one of those lab's that will check everything for you.

hobogato · 09/01/2008, 09:52 AM

when was the last time you calibrated your refractometer? is it possible that the slow leak drove your salinity down too low and you didnt know it because the refracto was out of calibration? i only ask, because it has happened to me.

Sk8r · 09/01/2008, 09:53 AM

Cheap, hardy corals that are really good early problem detectors: they DO spread, so unless you like the look, keep them off your structural rock!

Green star polyp: one of the first to close up if water goes 'off'.
Frogspawn: (a stony, so you have to have calcium/alk test and supplements) it really hates alkalinity going off kilter. Unfortunately rabbitfish may think it's edible.
Discosoma or actinodiscus mushrooms: tough, spread like weeds, but shrivel if water is off.
I keep only one softie: green star, in a corner of my tank, where the darned stuff has grown right up the glass: the jawfish lives in the heart of it, as a tunnel. But if it isn't coming out, I run every test I own to find out why, even if every OTHER coral in my tank is happy as, well, the clam.

68551 · 09/01/2008, 10:11 AM

I want a tank with an overflow for the oxygen boost....There was no copper (I tested it with a pad) I said before how I vacuumed deep in the cc....8 inches is probably a slightly too high ...It was probably 6 inches in many spots...I think that constantly having my hands in the tank vacuuming & stirring up the anerobic layer was more than my system could bear....the spanning I thought put gammes (sp?) in the tank, I never thought to do a water change or put in carbon....I was hoping for baby snails...After that the red stuff grew only on the rocks not on the gravel.....(Not Cynao didn't look like the id pictures)....Downhill from there with death after death & only off test was nitrates....Unfortunately I never tested for O2...

68551 · 09/01/2008, 10:14 AM

Leak was very minimal....Calbrated refractometer once a month in ro water for 0000....

On my way to LFS (2 hours away) to check out tank options....Be back tonight....Still listening to any and all advice....

Snapper66 · 09/01/2008, 01:11 PM

.

Snapper66 · 09/01/2008, 01:14 PM

I am Very Sorry to Hear of Your Tank Crashing,it Sounds Like Some Kind of Long Term Poisoning to Me.

bohlke · 09/01/2008, 01:34 PM

As bad as I tank crash is (been there) it is an opportunity to start over with a clean slate. I learned many lessons from my tank crash and the rebuild process. I would keep away from sugar sized sand as its such a pain to deal with from a flow perspective. I now only use it in my RDSBs. Good luck!

68551 · 09/01/2008, 07:17 PM

I'm back from the lfs....Picked out a cool 92g corner tank with sump MH lighting, moonlights...etc,etc......Finally feeling good for the first time in days!!!!.....Called to tell my husband...
He thinks I should not set up another tank, (too much time, expense, & sorrow if it doesen't work out again)....But he says I can do what I want.....(Hate when he says that!!!!).....I am back in the blahs again.....Not sure of what to do....I don't want to be unhappy but don't want him to be either.....Anyone have this dilemma????

cnaegler · 09/01/2008, 07:49 PM

My wife used to fuss...then i learned to quit telling her when i got new livestock!!! LOL! " Is that something new, Craig?" "No hon, that's always been there." But in all honesty, when my wife and kids saw me cry when my tank crashed, my wife said the same thing, but i'm not one to let things get the best of me. She didn't care for it but she knew it made me REALLY happy to have my tank. Now she doesn't bother me anymore about it. She knows that's my "thing." She didn't even flinch when i "informed" her of the new 514 gallon going in the new house's basement. Whoo-hoo!

68551 · 09/01/2008, 07:55 PM

We may also be building a new house to downsize....He also said that if I got it running well it would be too hard to dismantle & move to the new house....(He's GOOD!!!!)....

tkeracer619 · 09/02/2008, 09:30 AM

I would set it up and have him help you move it to the new house. Just work on it slow. Having it set up and running with no or little fish in it will make the tank that much stronger down the road.

cnaegler · 09/02/2008, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tkeracer619
I would set it up and have him help you move it to the new house. Just work on it slow. Having it set up and running with no or little fish in it will make the tank that much stronger down the road.

I agree. At least get the equipment rounded up.

jrdoan · 09/03/2008, 11:14 AM

HAHA the reef spouse. I am pretty sure that many of us have delt with just such a delema. From my personal experience the Spouse should be handled just like the reef Slowly. Well where she would notice. If I showed up with a total new set up she would flip out and ask about the money. But If I just kinda add a coral here or there or change out my skimmer in the sump where she never goes I am usually ok. Truth be told when you get it up and running and it starts to be the beautiful tank you are seeing in your mind he will probably get on board with it and it could become a shared hobby. I'll never forget the day I came home from work and my wife was sitting on the couch reading Corals (E. Burnman) to "Find out more about the wavy one" (the Hammer coral) But if not that is ok too. I know that I will never share my wifes passion for shoes and she will never share mine for Football. So I guess what I am saying is if it is done right and you seem like you are doing your homework, and it will make you happy go for it. He may just be saying that now because you have had a tough go of it as late and that is what he is thinking about.

68551 · 09/04/2008, 07:45 PM

Took 3 days to "get away" on our boat with 2 overnights....(Just what I needed....Seeing LIVE FISH swimming in the water!!!) Had problems with the new boat, which is now at the boat doctor getting fixed....When it rains it pours!!!!

There's a light at the end of the tunnel....Truck is now detached from the boat trailer making it easier to go pick up the new system at the LFS!!!!! Hint Hint...Wink Wink!!!!!

09/01/2008, 09:39 AM	#51
Runfrumu Hi Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: NC Posts: 1,014	I'd send in some water to one of those lab's that will check everything for you. __________________ Red Sea Max 130d and 125 gallon mixed reef. Current Tank Info: 125 gallon oceanic tank, Lighthouse Pro XLS, 72" outer orbit fixture, H&S 150-F2000/1 skimmer, H&S 110 Calcium Reactor, Tunze 7096, 2 Tunze 6105's , Tunze Osmolator, Prime 1/4hp drop-in chiller. 5 years running. Red Sea Max, 3 years.

09/01/2008, 09:53 AM	#53
Sk8r RC Mod Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 34,628 Blog Entries: 55	Cheap, hardy corals that are really good early problem detectors: they DO spread, so unless you like the look, keep them off your structural rock! Green star polyp: one of the first to close up if water goes 'off'. Frogspawn: (a stony, so you have to have calcium/alk test and supplements) it really hates alkalinity going off kilter. Unfortunately rabbitfish may think it's edible. Discosoma or actinodiscus mushrooms: tough, spread like weeds, but shrivel if water is off. I keep only one softie: green star, in a corner of my tank, where the darned stuff has grown right up the glass: the jawfish lives in the heart of it, as a tunnel. But if it isn't coming out, I run every test I own to find out why, even if every OTHER coral in my tank is happy as, well, the clam. __________________ Sk8r Salinity 1.024-6; alkalinity 8.3-9.3 on KH scale; calcium 420; magnesium 1300, temp 78-80, nitrate .2. Ammonia 0. No filters: lps tank. Alk and cal won't rise if mg is low. Current Tank Info: 105g AquaVim wedge, yellow tang, sailfin blenny,royal gramma, ocellaris clown pair, yellow watchman, 100 microceriths, 25 tiny hermits, a 4" conch, 1" nassarius, recovering from 2 year hiatus with daily water change of 10%.

09/01/2008, 10:11 AM	#54
68551 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central Pa..... Posts: 517	I want a tank with an overflow for the oxygen boost....There was no copper (I tested it with a pad) I said before how I vacuumed deep in the cc....8 inches is probably a slightly too high ...It was probably 6 inches in many spots...I think that constantly having my hands in the tank vacuuming & stirring up the anerobic layer was more than my system could bear....the spanning I thought put gammes (sp?) in the tank, I never thought to do a water change or put in carbon....I was hoping for baby snails...After that the red stuff grew only on the rocks not on the gravel.....(Not Cynao didn't look like the id pictures)....Downhill from there with death after death & only off test was nitrates....Unfortunately I never tested for O2... __________________ Because inquiring minds NEED to know.......sue Current Tank Info: 6/2006 first tank 75g no sump...10/2008, 120 g corner Bow w/overflow, Tunze Osmolator, & 2/ Vortech (40's) PHs, Currents Orbit Lighting w/2/MH150's & 4/t5's plus white & blue moonlighting, Elos NS1000 Skimmer, rk2, Eshopps sump w/fuge & Cheato...

09/01/2008, 10:14 AM	#55
68551 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central Pa..... Posts: 517	Leak was very minimal....Calbrated refractometer once a month in ro water for 0000.... On my way to LFS (2 hours away) to check out tank options....Be back tonight....Still listening to any and all advice.... __________________ Because inquiring minds NEED to know.......sue Current Tank Info: 6/2006 first tank 75g no sump...10/2008, 120 g corner Bow w/overflow, Tunze Osmolator, & 2/ Vortech (40's) PHs, Currents Orbit Lighting w/2/MH150's & 4/t5's plus white & blue moonlighting, Elos NS1000 Skimmer, rk2, Eshopps sump w/fuge & Cheato... Last edited by 68551; 09/01/2008 at 10:20 AM.

09/01/2008, 01:11 PM	#56
Snapper66 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Some where over the Reef Tank Posts: 249	. __________________ Groupers and Snappers and Triggers oh My. Current Tank Info: 135 Gallon Predator Tank with Trigger and Moray Eels and Groupers 90 Gallon Predator Tank Lyretail Grouper and Green Moray Eel and 2 Community Reef Tanks one 55 Gallon and one 56 High Top Tank and one 55 Gallon fresh Water cichlid Tank

09/01/2008, 09:52 AM	#52
hobogato Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 1,517	when was the last time you calibrated your refractometer? is it possible that the slow leak drove your salinity down too low and you didnt know it because the refracto was out of calibration? i only ask, because it has happened to me.

09/01/2008, 01:14 PM	#57
Snapper66 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Some where over the Reef Tank Posts: 249	I am Very Sorry to Hear of Your Tank Crashing,it Sounds Like Some Kind of Long Term Poisoning to Me. __________________ Groupers and Snappers and Triggers oh My. Current Tank Info: 135 Gallon Predator Tank with Trigger and Moray Eels and Groupers 90 Gallon Predator Tank Lyretail Grouper and Green Moray Eel and 2 Community Reef Tanks one 55 Gallon and one 56 High Top Tank and one 55 Gallon fresh Water cichlid Tank

09/01/2008, 01:34 PM	#58
bohlke PBITAWA Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: at the super sweet NRC lounge Posts: 1,253	As bad as I tank crash is (been there) it is an opportunity to start over with a clean slate. I learned many lessons from my tank crash and the rebuild process. I would keep away from sugar sized sand as its such a pain to deal with from a flow perspective. I now only use it in my RDSBs. Good luck! __________________ There is a very fine line between a hobby and mental illness. ... (Dave Barry) Check out my reef tank upgrade project by clicking on the red house. Current Tank Info: 120G mixed reef

09/01/2008, 07:17 PM	#59
68551 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central Pa..... Posts: 517	I'm back from the lfs....Picked out a cool 92g corner tank with sump MH lighting, moonlights...etc,etc......Finally feeling good for the first time in days!!!!.....Called to tell my husband... He thinks I should not set up another tank, (too much time, expense, & sorrow if it doesen't work out again)....But he says I can do what I want.....(Hate when he says that!!!!).....I am back in the blahs again.....Not sure of what to do....I don't want to be unhappy but don't want him to be either.....Anyone have this dilemma???? __________________ Because inquiring minds NEED to know.......sue Current Tank Info: 6/2006 first tank 75g no sump...10/2008, 120 g corner Bow w/overflow, Tunze Osmolator, & 2/ Vortech (40's) PHs, Currents Orbit Lighting w/2/MH150's & 4/t5's plus white & blue moonlighting, Elos NS1000 Skimmer, rk2, Eshopps sump w/fuge & Cheato...

09/01/2008, 07:49 PM	#60
cnaegler Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Sylva, NC-Western North Carolina Posts: 960	My wife used to fuss...then i learned to quit telling her when i got new livestock!!! LOL! " Is that something new, Craig?" "No hon, that's always been there." But in all honesty, when my wife and kids saw me cry when my tank crashed, my wife said the same thing, but i'm not one to let things get the best of me. She didn't care for it but she knew it made me REALLY happy to have my tank. Now she doesn't bother me anymore about it. She knows that's my "thing." She didn't even flinch when i "informed" her of the new 514 gallon going in the new house's basement. Whoo-hoo! __________________ Craig _________________________ ATL "Superman" acro, Vivid's Rainbow Delight acro wanted You can want in one hand and crap in the other and see which one fills up first!! Save the reefs! Buy captive bred fish and aquacultured corals! Current Tank Info: Downsizing to a 120 BB SPS tank, 6205 &6305 Tunze on 7095 controller, Current USA extreme 8 x 54 fixture

09/01/2008, 07:55 PM	#61
68551 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central Pa..... Posts: 517	We may also be building a new house to downsize....He also said that if I got it running well it would be too hard to dismantle & move to the new house....(He's GOOD!!!!).... __________________ Because inquiring minds NEED to know.......sue Current Tank Info: 6/2006 first tank 75g no sump...10/2008, 120 g corner Bow w/overflow, Tunze Osmolator, & 2/ Vortech (40's) PHs, Currents Orbit Lighting w/2/MH150's & 4/t5's plus white & blue moonlighting, Elos NS1000 Skimmer, rk2, Eshopps sump w/fuge & Cheato...

09/02/2008, 09:30 AM	#62
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	I would set it up and have him help you move it to the new house. Just work on it slow. Having it set up and running with no or little fish in it will make the tank that much stronger down the road. __________________ Hobby Experience: 9200ish gallons, 26 skimmers, and a handful of Kent Scrapers. Current Tank: Vortech Powered 600G SPS Tank w/ 100gal frag tank & 100g Sump. RK2-RK10 Skimmer. ReefAngel. Radium 20k.

09/03/2008, 11:14 AM	#64
jrdoan Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Baltimore MD Posts: 68	HAHA the reef spouse. I am pretty sure that many of us have delt with just such a delema. From my personal experience the Spouse should be handled just like the reef Slowly. Well where she would notice. If I showed up with a total new set up she would flip out and ask about the money. But If I just kinda add a coral here or there or change out my skimmer in the sump where she never goes I am usually ok. Truth be told when you get it up and running and it starts to be the beautiful tank you are seeing in your mind he will probably get on board with it and it could become a shared hobby. I'll never forget the day I came home from work and my wife was sitting on the couch reading Corals (E. Burnman) to "Find out more about the wavy one" (the Hammer coral) But if not that is ok too. I know that I will never share my wifes passion for shoes and she will never share mine for Football. So I guess what I am saying is if it is done right and you seem like you are doing your homework, and it will make you happy go for it. He may just be saying that now because you have had a tough go of it as late and that is what he is thinking about.

09/04/2008, 07:45 PM	#65
68551 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central Pa..... Posts: 517	Took 3 days to "get away" on our boat with 2 overnights....(Just what I needed....Seeing LIVE FISH swimming in the water!!!) Had problems with the new boat, which is now at the boat doctor getting fixed....When it rains it pours!!!! There's a light at the end of the tunnel....Truck is now detached from the boat trailer making it easier to go pick up the new system at the LFS!!!!! Hint Hint...Wink Wink!!!!! __________________ Because inquiring minds NEED to know.......sue Current Tank Info: 6/2006 first tank 75g no sump...10/2008, 120 g corner Bow w/overflow, Tunze Osmolator, & 2/ Vortech (40's) PHs, Currents Orbit Lighting w/2/MH150's & 4/t5's plus white & blue moonlighting, Elos NS1000 Skimmer, rk2, Eshopps sump w/fuge & Cheato...