smoky water, multiple deaths, no clue

[Anonymous]

Are you using a phosphate remover? If left in for more than two days they will start releasing white cloudy material into the water!

at least w/phosguard, this is not the case-especially if rinsed properly, per the directions :wink:

 

[rowan]

an update....

tonight my tank is much clearer. i removed the mag 350 carbon filter and put in the water polisher cartrige this morning. the way its going it'll be totally clear by tomorrow night.

think i can put my damsels back in tomorrow night? they're not very happy in the hospital.

so i guess it was an algae bloom? i have no idea. i swear i have never seen anything like it, nor lost so many fish in my life.

thank yous to everyone who helped me with all your suggestions.

gael

 

[danmhippo]

One more thing, don't use the diatomous earth filter continuously. Don't use it for more then a week. They are designed for periodic water polishing, and it will trap most of floating suspended particles in the water. At the same time, it will also trap most beneficial zooplankton in the water, if there are any.

After the tank has revived its original clarity, switch back to carbon filter or just sponge filter (no charcoal). The diatomous earth should be discarded. You can buy replacements at most pet store.

Diatomous filtration should only be used in the event of emergency, such as this one.

 

[Anonymous]

One more thing, don't use the diatomous earth filter continuously. Don't use it for more then a week. They are designed for periodic water polishing, and it will trap most of floating suspended particles in the water. At the same time, it will also trap most beneficial zooplankton in the water, if there are any.

After the tank has revived its original clarity, switch back to carbon filter or just sponge filter (no charcoal). The diatomous earth should be discarded. You can buy replacements at most pet store.

Diatomous filtration should only be used in the event of emergency, such as this one.

i think that rowan is just using the pleated micron cartridge, w/out d.e. (i've found they do a great job by themselves, too) :wink:

but i agree, they also should not be run continuously

(i don't think you could, anyway-they clog fairly quickly)
rowan: fwiw-

those cartridges can be cleaned easily by soaking in a mild bleach/water solution overnite, then rinsing thoroughly afterwards

 

[rowan]

One more thing, don't use the diatomous earth filter continuously. Don't use it for more then a week. They are designed for periodic water polishing, and it will trap most of floating suspended particles in the water. At the same time, it will also trap most beneficial zooplankton in the water, if there are any.

ok, thanks. i'm glad you told me about the zooplankton. i've never used this type of filter before, so i have very little experience with it. i've always had ug's, lifeguard, and w/d...and of course the skilters.

thanks again
gael

 

[rowan]

great info about how to clean the filter sleeves, thanks

gael