What’s going on!

[Theaviator]

So let me start this off by saying. I’ve been learning as I go. I have no idea what I’m doing. Whew, that feels good to get that off my chest.
I started a 80 gallon saltwater aquarium (30 gallon crystalline sump) about a year ago. I initially had lots of issues with water chemistry. But I feel like I got it all figured out. Was able to get and keep one chromis alive now for a year.
Just bought a new house and moved a few weeks ago. Completely tore down the tank. Removed all the water and all the sand. I threw away the sand and started new when I got to the new house. I saved about 30 gallons of water and made the rest when I got here. It’s been a struggle to say the least.
Now I feel like my tank is out of control. It’s dirtier than its ever been! I can’t seem to tune the reef octopus skimmer. The sump is always so dirty I’m finding it constantly full of slimmy brown skum (diatoms?). Just today I found my skimmer overflowing and the water level in the sump very high because of the filter material I have between the skimmer chamber and the return pump had clogged.
My best guess of what’s goin on is that my tank may be cycling again because of the new sand bed I put down. At least I hope. Has anyone else had this happen after a move? I’m a tad bit frustrated because a year in and all I got is a chromis! Any ideas of what may be happening here?

 

[Kryptonian]

You’re needing to completely cycle again. Filtration media, sandbed, and LR host your nitrifying bacteria. Keeping 30gl of water keeps your fish alive but your ecosystem is now needing to start from the ground up. You’ll get some great pointers on here from others. When I’m off mobile and in front of a computer, I’ll update this comment.

 

[Kryptonian]

Reintroduce some nitrifying bacteria ASAP. You can find at LFS or even Amazon can deliver within 24 hours (if you’re not in the middle of nowhere). I assume the Chromis is in this water right now? Water changes can keep some levels down while you rebuild bacteria.

 

[Theaviator]

Chromi is in the water as we speak. I know the API water kits are not very accurate. But I have not seen an ammonia spike as of yet. Nitrates and nitrites are all low. I’ll get some bio spira and add then as soon as I can get it.

 

[Kryptonian]

Chromi is in the water as we speak. I know the API water kits are not very accurate. But I have not seen an ammonia spike as of yet. Nitrates and nitrites are all low. I’ll get some bio spira and add then as soon as I can get it.

You’ve got it! Keep an eye on those levels and grab Biospira. I’m still using the API kits for Ammonia, Nitrate, and Nitrite with 17 fish. They get the job done. One Chromis won’t have too much output. As for the skimmer, it should settle down soon. If your using things like API Stress Zyme, those will kick up a skimmer big time! Try to stick to good RODI so you don’t need additives.

 

[Theaviator]

Thank you! I’ve got a BRS RODI unit. So I’ve been making my own water. It was just very discouraging to see such a dirty tank! Thanks for the help. I found some bio spira at a Petco near me and I’m picking it up tomorrow!

 

[Kryptonian]

After adding some bacteria, cycle and give that Chromis some friends lol! Just not all at once

 

[Theaviator]

He definitely needs friends! My wife thinks I wasted a ton of money on a chromi. I don’t think she sees the future in the tank that I do! She will thank me later.

 

[Kryptonian]

Some of my absolute favorites (I have all of these and love them):
Earmuff Wrasse
Regal Angel
Melanurus Wrasse
Blue Hippo Tang
Flame Angel
Emperor Angel
Pearly Jawfish
Cleaner Shrimp

Some might not be fit for 80 gal (the angels and tang) but look into the wrasse. The earmuff and melanurus are both beautiful colors and are pretty much model citizens. They're super friendly with everything and love swimming around. Also, they burrow in the sandbed to sleep so don't freak out if they disappear completely when you turn the lights out! A flame angel is also an awesome fish for your tank, though it can be territorial so should be one of the last fish you add.

Feel free to PM me if you get one of these and need some keeping advice! Good luck!

 

[Theaviator]

I love the color of those wrasse. I was thinking about getting one once things settled down. It’s good to know they are tame and like swimming around. I feel like the chromi I have is very anti social. He likes food and staying in one spot. I’m looking forward to adding some fish slowly when I get things back under control.
I really appreciate all the help! I’m so very lucky to have this group and all of you guys on here. You all have saved me already multiple times! So thank you.