32 gallon biocube

[dbar24]

New to the game, can't tell what changed but these levels have been the same for months. Seems like the fish are stressing out. Tanks 9 months old, and I've done 5 gallon water changes every two weeks. Water at the house is always hard and high in alkalinity. Have 2 clown fish, pistol shrimp, mandarin, goby and cleaner shrimp. Also have 7 diffrent frags of corral

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Do you have any other test kits or just strips? Strips are known for not being 100% accurate

 

[Dread Pirate Dave]

New to the game, can't tell what changed but these levels have been the same for months. Seems like the fish are stressing out. Tanks 9 months old, and I've done 5 gallon water changes every two weeks. Water at the house is always hard and high in alkalinity. Have 2 clown fish, pistol shrimp, mandarin, goby and cleaner shrimp. Also have 7 diffrent frags of corral

Welcome!

Are you using an RODI for your salt mixing? This will remove any variables being introduced by your tap water.

 

[kevgib67]

Welcome, glad you are here! Fellow Biocube 32 reefer here. First, you are using tap water? Most water coming out of a faucet is not good for your reef tank. You need to either buy ro/di water from your lfs or better yet, purchase a ro/di unit and make your own., it will save you money in the long run. Ditch the test strips and buy either Hanna, Salifert or Red Sea test kits. Can we get a picture of your tank?

 

[dbar24]

I need to buy different testers, if that not that accurate and no I am not using rodi for my water. Is that a gamechanger?

 

[dbar24]

I'll take a better picture when I get home

 

[dbar24]

Welcome, glad you are here! Fellow Biocube 32 reefer here. First, you are using tap water? Most water coming out of a faucet is not good for your reef tank. You need to either buy ro/di water from your lfs or better yet, purchase a ro/di unit and make your own., it will save you money in the long run. Ditch the test strips and buy either Hanna, Salifert or Red Sea test kits. Can we get a picture of your tank?

You're the man! Thanks for the info, looking into it now

 

[kevgib67]

I need to buy different testers, if that not that accurate and no I am not using rodi for my water. Is that a gamechanger?

Bingo!

 

[kevgib67]

I'll take a better picture when I get home

Looks very nice. I’m sure you will struggle less when the changes are made.

 

[XtraKargo]

Love my 32BC. Follow the advise of the team here and you'll do just fine. Great looking tank by the by.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

I would not trust that instant ocean meter, I had one once it was way off.
I would not trust those test strips, need better quality tests.
Rodi water is healthier for the system than tap water.
Is the water oxygenated? Do you have a powerhead aimed at the surface to agitate it?

EDIT: I just saw the tank pic. Why do you think your fish look stressed?

 

[Fear]

32 gallon biocube is my first tank. Lots of lessons learned so far. Being my oldest tank now it is well established and home to my Colorado sunburst, which has now become two. Lucky me. Paired with my Ice Phantom snowflake clowns.