Confused and Frustrated

[Kyleot]

Hi everybody, I have been having problems with my tank. I have a 65 gallon tank, 70lbs of live rock, 2-3 inch sand bed, 20 gallon sump with refuge. I have had this setup for about 8 months, Live rock cycled as expected with no problems. I do not have very much of the coraline algae yet, which I find kinda strange. I have 1 pajama cardinal, 2 false percula's, and 1 yellow tailed damsel. My problem is that any and all inverts that I have placed in the tank have immediately shown signs of stress. I placed 5 or 6 snails in about 2 months ago and they did not move after I put them in, still haven't moved. I also placed in mushroom polys and zooanthids, along with some frog spawn. These also have either shrunk, or dissappeared completely, or at very least, not opened up at all. I have tested all parameters, and found pH at 8.3, PHOS at 0, Nitrate and 0 Calcium at 400 - 420. So I am looking for ideas on what is going on? I can't seem to figure this one out. I am using 100% RO/DI water, filters are all good. I am using Aragamilk as an additive about 2-3 times per week. I have (1) 150W 14K metal halide and (2) 65 watt PC's which I have been using. I cut it down to just one 65W PC with the metal halide because I thought maybe it was too much light. I have a mini G ASM skimmer. Any ideas at all at what might be causing this? Like I said, fish all look good and healthy, but invertebrates, not so much. Thanks for any and all suggestions. :?

 

[Mike612]

How do you acclimate your fish and inverts?

 

[Kyleot]

Well, I usually let the bags sit at the top to help equalize temp. Then after about 15-20 mins I at a couple of cups of the tanks water to the bag. Then I wait another 15-20 mins. Then do it one more time. before I put them into their final spot inside the tank. What do you suggest Mike?

 

[Anonymous]

Question, was the tank new when you set it up or used? Any possibility that there was copper dosed to it at one time?

 

[Kyleot]

Well, the tank was used. Had fresh water fish in it. From the looks of it, the previous owners had a chemical soup of additives. I know when I bought it, it was at a garage sale, and the owners tried to send me with all kinds of additives. I have never used them though. And I scrubbed the tank very very well prior to using. But I really don't know about copper. Do you think this would stay with the tank for that long. I have had this tank for about 2 years now. If so, what do you think I can do about it?? Thanks again!

 

[Anonymous]

I could be wrong, so take this FWIW. If it is copper, from your description that is what it sounds like (if any and all inverts die once introduced to the tank) there isn't much you can do except empty the tank, cut out all the silicone and reseal it. From what I have read, that is where the residual copper could be. You can also try buying a copper test kit and see if you get answers that way.

If it was me, I'd think about looking around for another tank rather than go through the hassle and sell the existing tank to someone else for a fish only system.

 

[Anonymous]

What Dawg said..

And you may / may not have issues with the rock and sand from here on out too. - I would consider including those in a fish-only tank setup sale.


Stepping back a little though, you mention dosing Aragamilk several times a week... - Are you testing for strontium, magnesium, and barium??

 

[Kyleot]

I didn't realize the copper could stay with the tank that long. I am working on getting a test kit for copper. If I do find copper, any ideas on how to get rid of it. I see there are sponge type media available that claim to help remove it... Any body have any experience with any of these products? I am not testing for Strontium and the others..