Need help: RTN rapid tissue necrosis

[iunknown]

So looks like the tank is crashing. I lost half the SPS frags and the rest of my SPS have started getting RTN. I measured the KH again but I think my test kit is wrong, so I ordered a new one. It was saying that the reef crystals was at 52 ppm? I did buy a Ca test kit today and the tank and mixed water are both 300 ppm. I guess I have a bad batch of reef crystals? I sent them an email to see if they will send out a new bucket. Measured the phosphate and its .05 mg/L. Talk about feeling crappy. I did start dosing b-ionic today.

 

[iunknown]

The only other thing I can think of, I replaced two 24w t5 bulbs around the time this started happening. I had two really old 6500K bulbs from my planted tank days and then upgraded to antinic and blue bulbs. Could something that minor do any damage? I turned them off for now to see if it does anything.

 

[Dejavu]

RTN can spread quickly :squigglemouth:. Once it starts to speard it can be very hard to stop. My guess is that the low alk and high PO4 is the cause. You said that your PO4 are .05 ppm, what test kit are you using. You have to remember that they are most likly higher than that. I notice that you some HA, the HA will use alot of the PO4 make the tested # lower than it is.

Starting 2 part is a good start to fixing your alk issuse. I would try to find the source of your excess PO4's. Are you using GFO and DI/RO water? If not it would not hurt to start. Good luck!

 

[Old School Reefer]

+1 on the GFO. A great place to start. If your plan is to continue with SPS you will need your CA up around 450 and Alk between 9-11 keeeping it steady as she goes.

I change my GFO monthly and the test kits show the difference. Good idea to start 2 part dosing. Take it slow and remember not to change too much too quickly.

We're rooting for ya!

 

[iunknown]

I had planned not to use a skimmer on this tank. Was that a bad choice? I have so much live rock crammed into this tank that I thought it would take care of the Nitrates. I'm getting a new phosphate test kit on Monday, but I wouldn't mind setting up a GFO reactor. I'll start reading up on them. Thanks for the tip.

 

[Old School Reefer]

GFO reactors are pretty cheap. Take a look at Bulk Reef Supply's reactors. Those are reasonably priced and work the balls. I think they're a sponsor here.

I wouldn't kill myself over nitrates. I have an SPS dominated tank and my nitrate readings have been off the chart for years. I'd be happy if it would just register on the chart but it's so red it's beyond any listed reading. :squigglemouth:

Concentrate on the PO4 as that would be more harmful to the coral than nitrates. Of course it's always a good thing to keep nitrates in check, I just wouldn't drive myself mental over it.

YMMV ...