A mystery in the tank?

[ksemar]

Hey everyone. I have had some strange things happening the last few weeks. About three weeks ago one of my three fighting Conchs died after being fine for over a year. One of my SPS was munching on what was left of him. Then one of my large mexican turbos randomly died then another. I immediately assumed that a water change was needed so a 40% water change was done. All levels have been normal. The exact same as they always have been. After the water change I notice my other two conchs died. Then a turkey wing clam. And today I noticed that a Xenia that I have is dying. All fish are fine and all other corals are fine. I thought that maybe a near by Aiptasia outbreak was killing the Xenia. But now I am wondering if I have a hitchhiker that is killing things. I haven't added any new inhabitants in at least 6 months so if it is a hitchhiker it is just now making a mess. Any ideas are welcome.

 

[GBRsouth]

This doesn't help explain the xenia, but snails don't like high magnesium levels. Have you tested your magnesium levels lately? Hope you find your problem soon.

 

[ksemar]

I will see if I can get that checked. The fact that they are alive one night and sucked out the shell the next morning is the reason I thought something might be eating them. But not sure what? The Xenia on the other hand lost one arm last week and just folded up in the last few hours. So weird.

 

[GBRsouth]

I don't know enough about xenia to help you further. Hopefully someone more experienced will help soon.

 

[Maggie321]

I just got a magnesium test kit and mine is high. I also just learned that too high magnesium is bad for snails. What brand salt do you use?

 

[ksemar]

Always used instant ocean reef blend. I might take a sample to the LFS and let them do a full panel on the water.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

If your doing water changes it's most likely the mag is not too high unlessss your dosing it without testing.
In general high mag is not a problem , many folks used to do it to cure algae problems.

Def test the water. Look at the ammonia imo. Also salinity if you haven't tested it. A large swing could cause problems