Tank Crash - Before and After Photos

[SurfTrack]

Hello, this post is really sad for me but I did learn a lesson and there is a chance that it could help somebody in the future.

A month ago, I purchased two stick on motion sensor lights to attach in my sump so I could see what I was doing while working. The next day I came home to a disaster, one of the lights fell in the sump and the battery was leaking everywhere. (This is the light after I took it out)

Of course I immediately changed water and ran carbon and I managed to save my fish but most of my corals perished. These are the before and after pictures.

BEFORE






AFTER




These aren't even half of the corals. These are the only ones that "survived" - luckily all my fish seem to be okay and im grateful for that. Its such a small mistake, but it ruined my entire tank.

 

[Salty Lemon]

Oh @SurfTrack this is awful. I wish I had anything that I could possibly do or say that would actually help. I've had a crash before -- it is devastating. I'm thinking of you.

 

[SurfTrack]

Oh @SurfTrack this is awful. I wish I had anything that I could possibly do or say that would actually help. I've had a crash before -- it is devastating. I'm thinking of you.

Thank you so much. I just hope somebody will learn from this.

And its not all bad. I have a Red Sea reefer 425 + some new equipment and gadgets just waiting to be unboxed. This has by far been my worst experience but things are starting to look up. (I had to spoil myself after this )

 

[Flippers4pups]

Tough thing to go through. Thanks for the PSA. Hope things turn around for the better!

 

[DangerDave]

Wow, sorry this happened. We live, we learn. Good luck getting it back to where you were....

 

[smartwater101]

wow that sucks. Can you set up a temporary holding for the ones still surviving? Or know anyone that can house them for a bit?

 

[SurfTrack]

wow that sucks. Can you set up a temporary holding for the ones still surviving? Or know anyone that can house them for a bit?

Still looking. Ill post some updates if I do.

 

[dwest]

Still looking. Ill post some updates if I do.

I think many of the corals will pull through. Good luck.

 

[VA5]

Good luck. If you already do not have one I would suggest a grounding wire.
I had a 2week old radon fall into the tank while working on it (great light with poorly built stands ). Of course I immediately went to pull it out without thinking. Not sure if the ground saved me from being electrocuted but for $11 well worth it

 

[SurfTrack]

Update - getting better

 

[Tuan’s Reef]

Sorry for your loses. Glad your your tank is on the road to recovery. I was also thinking about those lights when I was at Lowe’s for light inside my stand. Hard lesson learned and thanks for sharing so we don’t go thru the same .

 

[Maacc]

Very sorry for your loses, but really glad you are not getting too down on yourself and using it as a learning experience.
Thanks for sharing to help others from making the same mistake.

 

[Tamberav]

So sorry! I bought a used red sea tank and the guy had motion sensor lights above the sump stuck with velcro. I though, wow! Super handy! (they are!) but a few days ago I was kind of wondering about them falling in the tank as one of the battery covers on one was sort of 'loose' and I had to tighten it. I took them down just now after your post. Not even going to risk it even though they were stuck on pretty good. I suppose if I can find a way to permanently screw them on and tape the battery covers on, it would be safe.