Strange Things Happening to Fish/Coral

[GobyMaster]

Hi all,

I am new to the forums but I figured this would be the best place to go for answers.

Tank Specs:
35 Gal
Magnum 350 filter
Seaclone protein skimmer
Millenium 2000 H.O.T. Filter
192 watts of light
-1x 10,000K powercompact bulb
-1x Actinic 460 nm powercompact bulb
4 inches DSB
45 pounds of live rock


LiveStock:
1x 2 inch yellow tang
1x 2 1/2 inch bicolor angel
1x 1 1/2 inch lawnmower blenny
1x feather duster
1x 1 1/2 inch maroon clown
1x 2 inch firefish
1x 1 1/2 inch yellow watchman goby
4x turbo snails
1x fungia plate coral (unsure of correct scientific name)
1x zoanithd polyp (only one, not a group)
1x standard cleaner shrimp
2x coral banded shrimp

Water Specs:
Salinity: 1.026
Ph: 8.25
Kh: 8 dH
Ca: 375 mg/L
NO2: <0.3 mg/L
NH3/NH4+: 0 mg/L

Refugium/Sump:
None

Lights:
The lights are on for 12 hours on/12 hours off

Current:
I have a power head (350 gph) on a random timer. The general on/off cycle is 2 hrs on/1 1/2 hrs off (continuous cycle).

Water Changes:
Every two weeks 25% water change. Top off with distilled water.

History:
The tank has been setup for roughly 3 months (erring on the short side). The cycling/acclimation period was followed under the guidance of Rob Fenner as noted in The Conscientious Marine Aquarist.

Feeding:
1x a day (same time everyday)
Frozen brine shrimp
Frozen Mysis shrimp
Ocassional Seaweed (Nori)
Ocassional clam

Problems:
1) My problem is that the zoanthid polyp was closed for about a week when I first got it. Then is was open for about 3 weeks. Now it is closed again. I wish it would stay open and split/bud to make more.

2) My feather duster has been staying inside its tube more than usual. More often than not, when it comes out it does not spread itself out all the way. Why has it changed? How can I help it come out more?

3) The bicolor angel seems to have a very, very, very thin layer of white slime on it's blue area. Not on the yellow areas though. What is this? Is it natural? Is it real or am I getting a glare?

Any answers/advice/leads would be much appreciated.

I tried to post some pictures but I am having a difficult time. Will post as soon as I figure it out.

 

[GobyMaster]

Here are some pictures of the tank, closed zoanthid polyp, polyp again, feather duster and plate coral, respectively. Note how the zoanthid and feather duster are not opening up all the way.

 

[paneubert]

The Tang is your first problem.....

 

[ChrisRD]

I agree that the tang is not a good long term choice in a tank this size.

Your tank is relatively new so I wouldn't be overly concerned about lack of growth just yet. IME a reef tank usually has to mature before you see normal growth rates from corals.

That said, personally, I would up the circulation a bit. IMO one powerhead - particularly one that is not running all the time - is not what I would consider adequate reef circulation. IME zoanthids seem to flourish and multiply more quickly with good current.

Also, make sure to clean the power filters frequently. They have a tendency to trap detritus and can degrade water quality quickly if they are neglected (I prefer to avoid these types of filters on a reef tank for this reason).

As for the angel - make sure it's eating well and keep an eye on it. Well fed fish that are not being stressed out can fight off a lot of minor infections/ailments over time. If the condition worsens you should plan on treating it in a separate hospital tank.

 

[trido]

I agree with the two above. Your bioload is a bit on the heavy side for a 35G. The Tang is more suited for a 120 or larger. The sea clone should be thrown in the trash (thats what I did with mine) at the first possible financial opportunity and upgraded. Increased flow will definately help as well.

Quote: ChrisRD
"Also, make sure to clean the power filters frequently. They have a tendency to trap detritus and can degrade water quality quickly if they are neglected (I prefer to avoid these types of filters on a reef tank for this reason). "

With the amount of LR you have and a good skimmer these are unecessary except to run carbon to "polish" the water. IMO