Need Help With Corals in Newly Acquired Tank

[KrisReef]

Thanks so much for the response and advice!

I'm currently not using RODI water, I just used tap water treated with Prime for the water change because the lfs worker said it would probably be alright. I just lowered the pumps and 2 of the corals already look happier. I'll get more live rock as well.

I forgot about the RODI water. This is an important thing to consider when mixing new water. A marine reef tank needs very clean water for mixing salt and for topping off evaporation.

An RODI filter can be a good investment if you are going to try and keep a reef long term. Some local fish stores will sell RODI water or saltwater they made using RODI water. (Pro hint- test these water sources for nitrates and phosphates, alkalinity, Calcium, Magnesium to ensure that the water you add isn't messing with your tank parameters!)

If you get live rock, that may need to be cured, especially if it was freshly harvested from the Ocean.
Also, its a good practice to put new stuff it in a bucket with an airstone, or small water pump to circulate it for a day or two and then measure phosphate. Old rock can bring a lot of nutrients that have been bound up to the rock, and it can also bring unwanted pests and diseases and other undesirable hitchhikers that can infect your tank and cause more harm than good. Removing pests before they get into the tank is good preventative measure.

Sorry to go negative, but I just wanted to put the brakes on just a little before you start trying to fix what you have and possibly make it all worse in the process.

Congratulations on the new tank! Slow and carefully making improvements is the safest way to proceed.

 

[Burrnt]

I forgot about the RODI water. This is an important thing to consider when mixing new water. A marine reef tank needs very clean water for mixing salt and for topping off evaporation.

An RODI filter can be a good investment if you are going to try and keep a reef long term. Some local fish stores will sell RODI water or saltwater they made using RODI water. (Pro hint- test these water sources for nitrates and phosphates, alkalinity, Calcium, Magnesium to ensure that the water you add isn't messing with your tank parameters!)

If you get live rock, that may need to be cured, especially if it was freshly harvested from the Ocean.
Also, its a good practice to put new stuff it in a bucket with an airstone, or small water pump to circulate it for a day or two and then measure phosphate. Old rock can bring a lot of nutrients that have been bound up to the rock, and it can also bring unwanted pests and diseases and other undesirable hitchhikers that can infect your tank and cause more harm than good. Removing pests before they get into the tank is good preventative measure.

Sorry to go negative, but I just wanted to put the brakes on just a little before you start trying to fix what you have and possibly make it all worse in the process.

Congratulations on the new tank! Slow and carefully making improvements is the safest way to proceed.

Doesn't sound negative at all. I've got a lot to learn, so thanks again for all of the advice!

 

[Wrassenaround]

Thanks so much for the response and advice!

I'm currently not using RODI water, I just used tap water treated with Prime for the water change because the lfs worker said it would probably be alright. I just lowered the pumps and 2 of the corals already look happier. I'll get more live rock as well.

This would seem to me to be the biggest variable in your system. You should seriously consider using RODI water and if that isn't available I used to use Distilled water from the grocery store to top off my tank so that should be fine to mix tour salt with also.
Does your LFS sell saltwater?
I know RODI units are pricy but they are well worth the investment and convince of having your own water made at your home. You would also need a drum of some sort to store it in. A lot of people use large Brute Trash Cans

 

[littlefoxx]

Ive got the basic ro system from bulk reef supply, that thing is amazing

 

[Burrnt]

This would seem to me to be the biggest variable in your system. You should seriously consider using RODI water and if that isn't available I used to use Distilled water from the grocery store to top off my tank so that should be fine to mix tour salt with also.
Does your LFS sell saltwater?
I know RODI units are pricy but they are well worth the investment and convince of having your own water made at your home. You would also need a drum of some sort to store it in. A lot of people use large Brute Trash Cans

Yeah, I didn't know how important having RODI water was until I started looking into these threads a couple days ago. I just ordered an RO Buddie that will be here in a day or two and I'll pick up a drum from the store. Should I look into doing a water change asap whenever I get everything set up? Thanks for the response by the way

 

[Wrassenaround]

Yeah, I didn't know how important having RODI water was until I started looking into these threads a couple days ago. I just ordered an RO Buddie that will be here in a day or two and I'll pick up a drum from the store. Should I look into doing a water change asap whenever I get everything set up? Thanks for the response by the way

Smart move on going ahead and purchasing an RODI unit. I would do a water change yes, make sure you "flush" the unit which is essentially breaking it in. Have it make 5 or so gallons, get rid of it and then you'll be good to go.