Fish loss

Grounding probes have never been part of my systems, though I don't doubt that they could help in some situations, but it's important to remember that every tank is different and that a grounding probe really should be used in combination with a GFCI. This has been discussed by us here many times.

Some granules of AC won't hurt a thing. It's the dust that has been known to cause problems.

I don't care what Thrive says to dose. A reading of 5.8 dKH means you better add a lot more Alkalinity quickly or the entire tank will soon suffer even more, even the Coral. After all the special products which give instructions for 2-part dosing, you should know the truth. Those instructions are lame. Few tanks will last long by continuously dosing equal parts. A hobbyist needs to learn that if Calcium is low, more Calcium solution needs to be added and if Alkalinity is low, add more Alkalinity solution. Alkalinity is just simple Baking Soda. Baking soda is a very common chemical called Bicarbonate of Soda (NaHCO3). It should be added in sufficient quantity/frequency to keep Alk at 8-14 dKH .

The water is all connected. The probe can be placed anywhere in the water but is most convenient and out of sight in the Sump/Refugium. For now, I wouldn't worry another moment about the grounding probe.

If I were you, I would arrange to learn from other hobbyists. Go visit them, see their tanks and talk fish. It's easy to meet others right here and to ask to visit. Most of us love to show off our tanks and are very happy to help another hobbyist.

I would love to see other peoples tanks and get straight bare bone advice. I just can't keep throwing money and time into something with no result. If anyone is interested.

I now seem to have an increase of hair algae. Fish dying and now this. I can't get out of this hole

Well now I face hair algae. And a lot of it. My water tests near perfect now. Ugh

Oh my goodness, of course I have tons of advice. This is my 15,498th post but only a portion of what I have learned in this hobby is written here.
Have you followed the advice given above? "If I were you, I would arrange to learn from other hobbyists. Go visit them, see their tanks and talk fish. It's easy to meet others right here and to ask to visit. Most of us love to show off our tanks and are very happy to help another hobbyist."

We haven't yet talked about the easy way to find if extra stray electricity is running through your tank.

I give more advice on controlling algae than any other problem. If you have read the Reefkeeping Tips thread linked below, you probably found this, my experience in 1996 with the Ugly Green Haired Mermaid in my tank. My advice regarding nuisance algae is in several Tips but can be summed up in three words, "Snails, Snails, Snails". These need to be herbivorous snails, not the dirt cheap Nasarrius Snails that don't eat algae.

It really helps if you could post a pic of the tank and ask specific questions.


Edited by Mark Peterson - April 01 2012 at 10:28am

I have since added 25 turbo snails for the algea problem. I didnt have any snail at all before and they are doing a hell of a job! Im so impressed!! Snails were added last saturday so now my question is, whats my next step? Should I wait a little while longer to try fish again? In all honesty I dont remember when I added a fish, its been that long. I guess iv let the tank go unnoticed for me exept for maintain it and up keep. Coral continues to do great. I just want some fish to compliment it and bring everything together.

A damsel? Why? Because it is cheap?

I disagree. If cheap is the reason, there are plenty of other choices.... an extra Chromis for example that will school with the already existing ones. Damsels are mean and very hard to catch once you decide (which most people do) that you no longer want it in the tank.

David, do you have another reason for choosing damsel? I am by no means an expert and would love to hear the reasoning.

They're definitely hardy. I always feel bad when I see damsels, I feel like they are destined for the home made spear when people get sick of them. 

Gobies are usually fairly inexpensive. Good Luck!!

Ill keep an update. With pics

I respectfully disagree.
I would not use a Damsel in this way.
There is no need to shoot aimless into the dark. We can illuminate this and actually help you resolve the problem. To work toward the resolution, please post a pic of how it looks today and what are the most recent Alk and Ca readings.

Also, as requested earlier, please show a pic of the sump/Refugium area.
Is there a glass top over this tank?
After re-examining the pic on the previous page, I'd like to see a closeup pic of the left side of the tank, specifically the rock there, maybe even taken from the side.
Oh, and can you test the pH at between 5-6AM and share the result with us?
Thanks



Edited by Mark Peterson - April 24 2012 at 11:19am