GFO all over tank - water cloudy

[Cessna89811]

I came home to my reefer 350 with brown water and GFO all over display. I am so overwhelmed. I don't know what to do.

 

[ReeferReefer]

GFO shouldn't nuke the tank so you should be fine for now. Manual removal seems like the best bet for you. I would do a series of 30% water changes, up to 4 times. Focus on getting as much GFO out when doing your WC. The tank should bounce back fine.

 

[Nathan Milender]

You could probably get it out with a canister filter and a cheap paper insert or three with a small submersible pump. You could even use the gfo canister, take out the inside, go to the hardware store and get a cheap three pack of mechanical filters, and run it. Just change out the canister when it gets gummed up or take it out and rinse it off.

 

[Doctorgori]

just to add perspective that's happened to me b4 and I'm sure a few others ... you'll be fine so I won't add to the already good advise

 

[xiholdtruex]

Gfo ahould be fine and not cause anything as already said. I would either try to scoop as much as I can out or siphon as much as you can out slowly

 

[Cessna89811]

All the big GFO particles were still in the sump. Tank looks rusty now. I have lost a pajama and a McCosker... I did a 20% water change. My precious tank has been running for almost 3 years and then this happens. My LFS had no advice on what to do... When should I do another change?

 

[jsvand5]

All the big GFO particles were still in the sump. Tank looks rusty now. I have lost a pajama and a McCosker... I did a 20% water change. My precious tank has been running for almost 3 years and then this happens. My LFS had no advice on what to do... When should I do another change?

I’d do much bigger water changes. At least 50% and siphon all of the GFO from the sump. I’d try 50% today and 50% tomorrow if possible.

 

[Cessna89811]

Water is clear now. I lost my Yellow Tang, Carpenter wrasse, McCosker Wrasse and Pajama.

 

[sagee]

Dang im sorry about your losses man. Was it a fresh batch or something. How did it happen?

 

[Mastiffsrule]

Man, sorry to hear about the losses.

 

[xiholdtruex]

Test the water, water change as much as you can temp match depending on the test, and dose prime is my go to when anything goes south. Its wierd the fish died unless it caused a spike in ammonia or nitrite. Hope everything else is good in the tank

 

[Doctorgori]

Water is clear now. I lost my Yellow Tang, Carpenter wrasse, McCosker Wrasse and Pajama.

Woah....AFAIK GFO isn’t toxic per se .... gill issues from the particles maybe? .... sorry for your losses

 

[Cessna89811]

Thanks for kind words on loss of my fish kids. My tang was a big jerk, but I loved him... Tank is back to normal. All my aquacultured stock are fine. 20% water change, filter floss and skimmer have removed what was in the water column. I dusted the pukani. I can see the coralline purple again. Softies and squamosa clam are doing well. I have been in this hobby for awhile and this situation made me feel pretty stupid.

 

[Cessna89811]

I’d do much bigger water changes. At least 50% and siphon all of the GFO from the sump. I’d try 50% today and 50% tomorrow if possible.

Sump is squeaky clean now. Should I do another water change? Water is clear,

 

[Mastiffsrule]

Thanks for kind words on loss of my fish kids. My tang was a big jerk, but I loved him... Tank is back to normal. All my aquacultured stock are fine. 20% water change, filter floss and skimmer have removed what was in the water column. I dusted the pukani. I can see the coralline purple again. Softies and squamosa clam are doing well. I have been in this hobby for awhile and this situation made me feel pretty stupid.

Glad things are turning around. Totally don’t feel stupid. I don’t think that

 

[Captain Quint]

......................... and this situation made me feel pretty stupid.

Do not feel that way. Many of us have had the same happen.

I know I have. I'm glad it is under control.

 

[jsvand5]

Sump is squeaky clean now. Should I do another water change? Water is clear,

If remaining corals and fish are looking good I wouldn’t worry about it.

 

[Cessna89811]

If remaining corals and fish are looking good I wouldn’t worry about it.

Sump is super clean. Water is crystal clear. There is trace GFO dust on the purple coralline algae Pukani rock. Thank goodness i have an oversized skimmer. I really appreciate all advice. I was freaking out. Now I know what to do if this ever happens again.

 

[xiholdtruex]

We all have those moments thats why we have these emergency forums. I find that most of the time when something happends its because of my hand in the tank lol