I need some advice on how to revive my reef tank.
It's an Innovative Marine SR-80 +ghost skimmer with 70lbs caribsea live sand and over 80lbs of live rock that has been running for a couple years. The only inhabitants are my golden dwarf moray, a single PJ cardinal, and 3 scarlet reef hermits.
Unfortunately, recent events have left my tank seriously neglected. Even though we were lucky enough not to be majorly impacted by Hurricane Dorian, I did have some electrical problems that took out my reef light. On top of that I have been struggling with some health issues, and simply cannot do any of the physical work that comes with maintaining my 80g reef. That also means I have lost my job working at my lfs, and won't have a job/money until I get better (which will be a couple of months at least). Its been a while since I have done a water change and I am a little scared to do a water test as I know it probably won't be good. My tap water is also not an option (even with prime) and last time I used ocean water I ended up with a red slime outbreak from the red tide. Since I haven't done a water change I haven't been stirring up the sand either (although the hermits clean/stir the top half) so I worry that has nitrates built up in it. There's also an infestation of asterina starfish that ate all my coral. But I don't want to add a $35 Harlequin shrimp if I am having problems with nitrates. In addition to the protein skimmer I have filter socks, carbon, purigen, and those nitrate/phosphate pads in it. The only water parameter I have ever had problems with is nitrates.
I was wondering if anyone had any tips or tricks on how to maintain a reef that's easy on my wallet and my health. I feel terrible about letting my tank get so bad, especially since it used to be my job.
It's an Innovative Marine SR-80 +ghost skimmer with 70lbs caribsea live sand and over 80lbs of live rock that has been running for a couple years. The only inhabitants are my golden dwarf moray, a single PJ cardinal, and 3 scarlet reef hermits.
Unfortunately, recent events have left my tank seriously neglected. Even though we were lucky enough not to be majorly impacted by Hurricane Dorian, I did have some electrical problems that took out my reef light. On top of that I have been struggling with some health issues, and simply cannot do any of the physical work that comes with maintaining my 80g reef. That also means I have lost my job working at my lfs, and won't have a job/money until I get better (which will be a couple of months at least). Its been a while since I have done a water change and I am a little scared to do a water test as I know it probably won't be good. My tap water is also not an option (even with prime) and last time I used ocean water I ended up with a red slime outbreak from the red tide. Since I haven't done a water change I haven't been stirring up the sand either (although the hermits clean/stir the top half) so I worry that has nitrates built up in it. There's also an infestation of asterina starfish that ate all my coral. But I don't want to add a $35 Harlequin shrimp if I am having problems with nitrates. In addition to the protein skimmer I have filter socks, carbon, purigen, and those nitrate/phosphate pads in it. The only water parameter I have ever had problems with is nitrates.
I was wondering if anyone had any tips or tricks on how to maintain a reef that's easy on my wallet and my health. I feel terrible about letting my tank get so bad, especially since it used to be my job.
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