HELP!!! My corals are dying.

[James_O]

Did you clean rock and sand I cant tell?

I did clean the sand and I picked off a lot of algae from the back of the base rocks. But I have yet to take out some rocks and blast them.

Once I get back home today, I will deep clean at least 2 rocks.

 

[James_O]

The Kenya tree is looking better than ever in the sand bed:

Torch is improving by the hour:

Mushrooms are also spreading:

And the reclusive Duncan is opening up:

(goby also found a new spot to hang ;Hilarious )

 

[LRT]

I did clean the sand and I picked off a lot of algae from the back of the base rocks. But I have yet to take out some rocks and blast them.

Once I get back home today, I will deep clean at least 2 rocks.

What where params when you tested last? Looks like both nitrates and phosphates elevated on you a little. As expected.
Not horrible numbers. But realisticly going to continue growing algae out of control until you get a handle on it.
Something about a deep, thorough clean and blast really removes nitrates and phosphates at surface level. Where they bind and begin to grow into algae im sure.
Get your deep clean done. See where params land.
Did you see photos of tank that Brandon posted?
Thats how you want it to look

 

[MaxTremors]

Are your nitrates at 0.25ppm or 25ppm (pretty sure the only tester with 0.25 resolution is the Hanna LR nitrate checker)?

 

[James_O]

Are your nitrates at 0.25ppm or 25ppm (pretty sure the only tester with 0.25 resolution is the Hanna LR nitrate checker)?

Yes, sorry, I meant 25ppm.

 

[LRT]

Yes, sorry, I meant 25ppm.

So you went from 0- 25 ppm nitrates since all this occured?

 

[Goaway]

Perhaps the old nitrate test was a different kit than what he's using now?

So you went from 0- 25 ppm nitrates since all this occured?

 

[LRT]

Perhaps the old nitrate test was a different kit than what he's using now?

Possibly. Could be error and/or lots of cyano and algae death. My Nitrates went from 15ppm to undetectable high nitrates when I treat my system for cyano. Also seen huge fluctuations when I was battling turf algae.

 

[Goaway]

Maybe a 10% wc to bring the nitrate down?

 

[LRT]

This is why I'm saying full system scrub and redo. Just killed a bunch of algae and most likely cyano during blackout. Only to release nutrients back into system to fuel turf algae now that lights are on.
Destroying it at surface level with complete scrub down with weekly water changes is only way hes gonna get a handle on things.

James post up some pix of your tank looking like the one Brandon posted for you. Until you do that its really only kinda beating a dead horse.
No easy way out of it all. Hard work and dedication will get you to next level. Once next level is achieved then we can help you maintain your reef like a boss lol
Wish there was a quick fix honestly but I would take how ever many months it took to let it get that way and factor in thats how long it going to take to fix it especially if you slow play.

 

[James_O]

Could be error

It is definitely an error. Either I did this last test wrong, or the one before that. ;Facepalm

I will re test when I get home, and make sure I do it CORRECTLY this time.

 

[James_O]

This is why I'm saying full system scrub and redo. Just killed a bunch of algae and most likely cyano during blackout. Only to release nutrients back into system to fuel turf algae now that lights are on.
Destroying it at surface level with complete scrub down with weekly water changes is only way hes gonna get a handle on things.

James post up some pix of your tank looking like the one Brandon posted for you. Until you do that its really only kinda beating a dead horse.
No easy way out of it all. Hard work and dedication will get you to next level. Once next level is achieved then we can help you maintain your reef like a boss lol
Wish there was a quick fix honestly but I would take how ever many months it took to let it get that way and factor in thats how long it going to take to fix it especially if you slow play.

Trying to think of when I would have time to do this.

I have work tomorrow and then my homeschool group meeting the next day, so it would probably have to be Friday.

Would it be OK to wait this long?

 

[LRT]

It is definitely an error. Either I did this last test wrong, or the one before that. ;Facepalm

I will re test when I get home, and make sure I do it CORRECTLY this time.

Don't be surprised if its correct

 

[James_O]

Don't be surprised if its correct

 

[LRT]

Trying to think of when I would have time to do this.

I have work tomorrow and then my homeschool group meeting the next day, so it would probably have to be Friday.

Would it be OK to wait this long?

Yes. If you can find a couple Rubbermaid tubs and buckets in garage save your water, corals and fish in buckets. Yank it all out. Rinse sand. Scrub down rock and rinse like we talked about.
Get it done though your only going in circle until you correct the issue

 

[Goaway]

This is why I'm saying full system scrub and redo. Just killed a bunch of algae and most likely cyano during blackout. Only to release nutrients back into system to fuel turf algae now that lights are on.
Destroying it at surface level with complete scrub down with weekly water changes is only way hes gonna get a handle on things.

James post up some pix of your tank looking like the one Brandon posted for you. Until you do that its really only kinda beating a dead horse.
No easy way out of it all. Hard work and dedication will get you to next level. Once next level is achieved then we can help you maintain your reef like a boss lol
Wish there was a quick fix honestly but I would take how ever many months it took to let it get that way and factor in thats how long it going to take to fix it especially if you slow play.

I know the rip clean is key here. New systems benefit so much, and much older systems can as well. If needed.

 

[LRT]

I know the rip clean is key here. New systems benefit so much, and much older systems can as well. If needed.

For sure. I'll be honest id hate to see what that algae does once it starts growing on Torch skeleton and encroaching tissue. I know I have certain shrooms that melt just thinking about things like that.

 

[Goaway]

For sure. I'll be honest id hate to see what that algae does once it starts growing on Torch skeleton and encroaching tissue. I know I have certain shrooms that melt just thinking about things like that.

;Dead It's how I lost bubble corals I bought from petco. I didn't see there was algae growing on their septa. Until, it was able to take over the skeleton. It's horrible.