Tank HELP

[Python.Palette]

I'm struggling with my reef tank. My green chromis are dying with no apparent't reason, but other "less hardy" fish are just fine. My hippo tang is happy as can be. My corals are also struggling; my green star polyps and birds nest died, and yet my hammer coral, frog spawn, and zoantha are thriving. I've also got red algae that is out of control. My invertibrates are doing fine too. Any help would be great.

 

[Porsche]

You test your water perimeters? Ammonia, calcium, magnesium, pH, alk?

 

[reeferfoxx]

What are your parameters and how old is the tank?

 

[BoneXriffic]

Lets add what kind of lighting to the list of need to knows. And how long do lights run. And maybe some pics. Red could mean cyano i believe

 

[willthethrill]

On top of all those other questions [emoji1312], make sure to check temp and salinity, sometimes the basics go unchecked because we become complacent. Check for phosphates as well. Also, what is your water change schedule?

 

[melypr1985]

My green chromis are dying with no apparent't reason, but other "less hardy" fish are just fine.

I can address this part. Chromis are actually pretty fragile. You wouldnt think so, but you'll buy 10 just to have 2 or 3 survive. There is typically a reason for this, namely Uronema. These fish are prone to it and it's contagious. They come in with it and it doesn't take long for the stress of shipping and acclimation -twice- to get to them and they fail. You'll want to pay particular attention to their bodies. Most times you see a red sore on their side when they die.

 

[Python.Palette]

Temp 80 f
Salinity 1.027
Alkalinity 9 dKH
Ca 410
Mg 1290
pH 8.3
No measurable ammonia, nitrites, or nitrates.
Tank was about 3 years old when I bought it 8 months ago.
I'm running Fluval Sea Marine & Reef 2.0 led for lighting.

 

[120reefkeeper]

You know is it possible a pollutant of some sort entered the tank?

I would do a large water change , 25/30%...and run carbon to soak up anything that might have been accidentally introduced.
Your numbers don't look all that bad so this is what makes me suspicious .

As far as the cyano you've got going , I would try to increase flow to that area and make sure your not over feeding.

 

[120reefkeeper]

I also agree with @melypr1985 .

 

[Python.Palette]

You know is it possible a pollutant of some sort entered the tank?

I have a 3 year old little boy that likes to help, I wouldn't discount that as a possibility.

 

[120reefkeeper]

Run carbon!

 

[Untamedrose]

I have a 3 year old little boy that likes to help, I wouldn't discount that as a possibility.

Yup that could do it lol

Large water change is what Id do first, add some carbon and a polyfilter. If the red algae if that doesnt clear up in a few days, try some chemiclean.

 

[BoneXriffic]

As for the birdsnest, not sure if those lights are really strong enough for them? I have heard mixxed reviews on them. Mostly negative when used with intense light dependant corals.

Also if po4 and no3 are not measurable, that can also be bad for corals.

 

[Python.Palette]

Thanks for all of your help and suggestions.

 

[jsker]

I would say that you light are not powerful enough, and look at you test kits and test with a different test kit for you nitrates and phosphates. If you were running a 0 you would not have enough nutrients to feed the cayno. What are you feeding? I feed a couple of drops of reef nutrition oyster feast, r.o.e. and rotie feast for my corals.

 

[najer]

What pumps / flow are you running?

 

[Python.Palette]

I'm running the large CPR Aquails AquaFuge2 refigium, and 2 528 gph wave maker pumps.

 

[BoneXriffic]

Do you run GFO? And if new lighting is in the budget? i would reccomend it

Theres alot of topics about t5 halides and l.e.d. on the forum, as well as some really good diy led systems that save toms of money

 

[Python.Palette]

I thought I would give everyone an update. The red algae is receding, and my birds nest looks healthy again. Thanks for everyone's help. We'll see when I can upgrade my lighting.