Yikes! ! Flooded Basement.

blue_eyes53813 · 10-04-2007, 09:35 AM

Oh this is not the way to start out my Thurday Morning. My tank over flowed. A darn snail got into the over flow tube. I feel partly - well ok all reasponsible.

I have been working two jobs and dont have much time for the tank. I check on it daily and check it before I go to my night job at 5:00 pm. When I get home at midnight I havent been checking it to make sure all is ok. Before this night job I would check it 3-4 times a night and definitely before I go to bed. Well sometime between 5pm yesterday and 7 this morning the tank over flowed. I probably have about 40 gallons of water on my basement floor. Carpet and linoleum may be a loss. My boy friend happened to go to the basement this morning and found the mess.

And Guess what?????? I dont have any salt water mixed.. MAN I HAVE BEEN SLACKING. All livestock is doing good. The tank still has heat and flow. No worries there... Just a big mess.

Does anybody know what the least amount of time the new saltwater needs to mix before I can add it to the tank. I usually mix for 24 hours , But I may not have time ,this time.

Saltwater Noob · 10-04-2007, 09:38 AM

Humm I let mine mix in a bucket for about 45 min with a powerhead then put it in the tank.

mempho reefer · 10-04-2007, 09:50 AM

You should be OK to mix and add immediately Vicki as long as the amount you're adding does not exceed the amount still in the tank. I've done it before in emergency situations. It's always best to give it a good 24 hrs and bring it to tank temp but this one time shouldn't be a problem. Do monitor your salt level for the next 24 to 36 hr since the newly added water won't have the time to fully dissolve all the salt. Also make sure the temp of the water you're adding is not drastically different from the exisiting tank temp. If you're only adding 40 gal to a 265 then I don't think you're going to have any major problems.

bluespotjawfish · 10-04-2007, 09:54 AM

With the size of your system I think as long as you match parameters and the salt is mixed, you can run with it. I have done this with IO and Reef Crystals without any problem.

What kind of salt mix do you use?

Frankie · 10-04-2007, 09:55 AM

Yeah in an emergency I would say as soon as the salt in completely mixed and the salinity is consistent after a few times testing it. An hour should be fine. Your tank is large so i wouldn't worry to much about it. Do a quick saltwater top off and mix a fresh batch for when you get home tonight.
I would rent a carpet cleaner and try to use that before tossing the carpet. The sooner you get the water off the linoleum the better. It might not affect the glue.
Sorry for your troubles! Karma for a better day.

Scouter Steve · 10-04-2007, 09:58 AM

That sucks Vicki. Mix the salt in a dark container so you can see when it is clear. Yes it is best to mix for 24 hours. Sorry 'bout your damage. I am so lucky my sump is in an unfinnished basement. A Overflow just means wet concrete.

Dentoid · 10-04-2007, 10:05 AM

deaclauderdale · 10-04-2007, 10:05 AM

Karma to you.

lcstorc · 10-04-2007, 10:11 AM

Oh no!
I agree with the above. Mix until it is disolved and gives consistant readings and then add.

BigAl07 · 10-04-2007, 10:12 AM

that SUCKS! No further advice to give but I AM gonna hit you with a small dose of KARMA just because you NEED it

Best wishes!!

Allen

boozeman · 10-04-2007, 10:47 AM

on the bright side no animals were lost. Vicki you should get a water leakage detector at lowes or home depot. They are inexpensive (around $10) and will sound an audible alarm if there is any (even if just a little) water on the floor around it.
btw, I read the title on the thread and my heart sank in sympathy as yesterday DEP notified me that the water main comming into my shop was leaking into the streat and was cause for basement flooding. I just had to hire a licensed water main contractor to tear up the street and sidewalk for repairs. Kissing $7k goodbye

AQTCJAK · 10-04-2007, 10:52 AM

Vicki use the highest power pump you have to mix it as everyone has said until it is clear hopefully the temp will match the tank as well.

vdituri · 10-04-2007, 11:11 AM

When you wetvac the carpet it wouldn't hurt to hit it with some warm FW to help dissolve the salts and get them out of the carpet.
Glad all the critters are well.
Sending Scrubbing bubble thoughts your way to help with the cleanup.

blue_eyes53813 · 10-04-2007, 11:21 AM

Thanks all, For the karma and the replys.. I am still drying out.. I am definitely going to look into an alarm... That was my first thought when i saw the mess this morning... I do have a carpet shampooer and will see how much it can soak up/dilute. I am not sure how much damage has been done. I cranked up my dehumidifier and that usually does a good job drying things out... Thanks again..

BigAl07 · 10-04-2007, 11:22 AM

Just remember the dehumidifier will pull the WATER out leaving the salt and everything else pretty well stuck. Get as much up as you can before running it. Just a thought.

Allen

10-04-2007, 09:35 AM	#1 (permalink)
blue_eyes53813 Hey!Its not my fault Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Lancaster, Wisconsin Posts: 6,590 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Yikes! ! Flooded Basement. Oh this is not the way to start out my Thurday Morning. My tank over flowed. A darn snail got into the over flow tube. I feel partly - well ok all reasponsible. I have been working two jobs and dont have much time for the tank. I check on it daily and check it before I go to my night job at 5:00 pm. When I get home at midnight I havent been checking it to make sure all is ok. Before this night job I would check it 3-4 times a night and definitely before I go to bed. Well sometime between 5pm yesterday and 7 this morning the tank over flowed. I probably have about 40 gallons of water on my basement floor. Carpet and linoleum may be a loss. My boy friend happened to go to the basement this morning and found the mess. And Guess what?????? I dont have any salt water mixed.. MAN I HAVE BEEN SLACKING. All livestock is doing good. The tank still has heat and flow. No worries there... Just a big mess. Does anybody know what the least amount of time the new saltwater needs to mix before I can add it to the tank. I usually mix for 24 hours , But I may not have time ,this time. __________________ 265 Gallon Reef built into basement wall. Lighting = 6x250 watts MH, 2x96 watt PC ,and 2x140 watt VHO for a total watt of 1,972 watts . New addition on 4-14-07 of 100 gallon sump and 100 gallon refugium. I think I have lost my mind. Gotta love this hobby Vicki Life is like a pathway of untrodden snow. Be careful how you step in it for every mark will show Definition of FRIENDSHIP: All lives touch other lives to create something new and alive My tank chronicles. http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...wall-reef.html

10-04-2007, 09:38 AM	#2 (permalink)
Saltwater Noob I'm Learning Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: New Port Richey, Fl Posts: 367 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Yikes! ! Flooded Basement. Humm I let mine mix in a bucket for about 45 min with a powerhead then put it in the tank. __________________ 65 gal Reef Tank 8 gal sump aquaC remora Skimmer w MJ 1200 pump Hydro #3 for flow MJ1200 for flow Current Extreme Pro 6 Bulb T5 Setup Live Stock Yellow Tang - Six Line - Clown - and about 50 red leg hermits - 25 snails - 2 star fish and 2 cucumbers. Corals zoo's and GSP and shrooms surge return pump

10-04-2007, 09:50 AM	#3 (permalink)
mempho reefer Pistol Shrimp Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Memphis Posts: 243 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Yikes! ! Flooded Basement. You should be OK to mix and add immediately Vicki as long as the amount you're adding does not exceed the amount still in the tank. I've done it before in emergency situations. It's always best to give it a good 24 hrs and bring it to tank temp but this one time shouldn't be a problem. Do monitor your salt level for the next 24 to 36 hr since the newly added water won't have the time to fully dissolve all the salt. Also make sure the temp of the water you're adding is not drastically different from the exisiting tank temp. If you're only adding 40 gal to a 265 then I don't think you're going to have any major problems.

10-04-2007, 09:54 AM	#4 (permalink)
bluespotjawfish Tridacna maxima Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Utah Posts: 4,210 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Yikes! ! Flooded Basement. With the size of your system I think as long as you match parameters and the salt is mixed, you can run with it. I have done this with IO and Reef Crystals without any problem. What kind of salt mix do you use? __________________ Lorraine To BB and all Bluespots - Journey of the 2nd Year ...The 2nd Year - Photoshow Check out Mr. BJ and friends... Mr. BJ's Aquarium - PhotoShow

10-04-2007, 09:55 AM	#5 (permalink)
Frankie Angel Girl's Daddy Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: The End Of The World Posts: 7,862 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Yikes! ! Flooded Basement. Yeah in an emergency I would say as soon as the salt in completely mixed and the salinity is consistent after a few times testing it. An hour should be fine. Your tank is large so i wouldn't worry to much about it. Do a quick saltwater top off and mix a fresh batch for when you get home tonight. I would rent a carpet cleaner and try to use that before tossing the carpet. The sooner you get the water off the linoleum the better. It might not affect the glue. Sorry for your troubles! Karma for a better day. __________________ Click here to visit my thread: New Horizons Text Is a Poor Form Of Communication! If we ignore the environment maybe it will just go away....

10-04-2007, 09:58 AM	#6 (permalink)
Scouter Steve Neon dottyback Join Date: May 2006 Location: Somers Wisconsin (Kenosha County) Posts: 683 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Yikes! ! Flooded Basement. That sucks Vicki. Mix the salt in a dark container so you can see when it is clear. Yes it is best to mix for 24 hours. Sorry 'bout your damage. I am so lucky my sump is in an unfinnished basement. A Overflow just means wet concrete.

10-04-2007, 10:05 AM	#7 (permalink)
Dentoid Over Achiever Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Virginia Posts: 10,240 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Yikes! ! Flooded Basement. __________________ Scott Dentoid's Reeforama

10-04-2007, 10:05 AM	#8 (permalink)
deaclauderdale Posting & Toasting! Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Lancaster,California Posts: 2,057 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Yikes! ! Flooded Basement. Karma to you. __________________ 100 Gal w/ 55 Gal Sump, (2) 250 watt MH's, 220 watts VHO, Fish: Lawnmower Blenny, Pair Ocellaris Clowns, Royal Gramma, Yellow Watchman Goby, Rainsford Goby Coral: Neon Green Candycane, Brown Candy Cane, Purple and Blue Candycane, GSP-green, Palythoas, Montipora Digita (Green and Purple), Montipora Nodosa, Acro's, Neon Green Favia, Sun Coral, Cynaria, Zoanthids Shrimp: Skunk Cleaner Shrimp, 2 Peppermint Shrimp, Tiger Pistol Shrimp Clam: (2) Crocea, That's what I love about saltwater tanks. You get God's best!!

10-04-2007, 10:11 AM	#9 (permalink)
lcstorc Sunshine Reefer Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Cocoa Fl Posts: 19,905 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Yikes! ! Flooded Basement. Oh no! I agree with the above. Mix until it is disolved and gives consistant readings and then add. __________________ Peace LYNN You can't change the past but you can change how you view it. A reef tank is like a racecar. The faster you go the harder you crash. Lynn and Franks saltwater adventure Lynn's 20g clown tank Lynn's 90g of sunshine Every 60 seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back. In Loving Memory Of Z 01/22/07 - 08/19/08

10-04-2007, 10:12 AM	#10 (permalink)
BigAl07 Reef Addict (hopeless) Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Waynesville, North Carolina Posts: 11,448 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Yikes! ! Flooded Basement. that SUCKS! No further advice to give but I AM gonna hit you with a small dose of KARMA just because you NEED it Best wishes!! Allen __________________ ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º> ·´¯`·.¸. , . .·´¯`·.. >((((º> Allen Allen's testimonial . . ."Let Me help you help YOURSELF" (Click Here) with a SW set up there is one basic fundamental rule that we ALL should follow *When in doubt... wait it out. This means take it slow and let the tank "develop" and don't rush it. Time is your friend Ask me about how to increase your REEF budget without going without FOOD!!* Big Al's 10g Julie's (BigAl's Gal) 6g NanoCube BigAl's Slow 90g Tank Chronicle Allens OFFICE 12g Nano-Reef Reef Balls & Cakes Debt Free & Change your Family Tree!!

10-04-2007, 10:47 AM	#11 (permalink)
boozeman The CodFather ~ Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: new york Posts: 8,800 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Yikes! ! Flooded Basement. on the bright side no animals were lost. Vicki you should get a water leakage detector at lowes or home depot. They are inexpensive (around $10) and will sound an audible alarm if there is any (even if just a little) water on the floor around it. btw, I read the title on the thread and my heart sank in sympathy as yesterday DEP notified me that the water main comming into my shop was leaking into the streat and was cause for basement flooding. I just had to hire a licensed water main contractor to tear up the street and sidewalk for repairs. Kissing $7k goodbye __________________ ...and when I'm old and wise little things mean little to me like autumn winds they'll blow right through me and someday, in the mist of time when they ask you if you knew me remember that you were a friend of mine

10-04-2007, 10:52 AM	#12 (permalink)
AQTCJAK Tiger Shark Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 7,111 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Yikes! ! Flooded Basement. Vicki use the highest power pump you have to mix it as everyone has said until it is clear hopefully the temp will match the tank as well. __________________ A Wiseman once said build a stage add a pole & they will dance - Jack 2007 www.aquaticaggression.com Projects & Chronicels http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...car-buffs.html http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...nts-tanks.html

10-04-2007, 11:11 AM	#13 (permalink)
vdituri Excellent Guesser :D Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Sacramento California Posts: 5,730 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Yikes! ! Flooded Basement. When you wetvac the carpet it wouldn't hurt to hit it with some warm FW to help dissolve the salts and get them out of the carpet. Glad all the critters are well. Sending Scrubbing bubble thoughts your way to help with the cleanup. __________________ Victor ----- People come into our lives for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person. When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

10-04-2007, 11:21 AM	#14 (permalink)
blue_eyes53813 Hey!Its not my fault Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Lancaster, Wisconsin Posts: 6,590 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Yikes! ! Flooded Basement. Thanks all, For the karma and the replys.. I am still drying out.. I am definitely going to look into an alarm... That was my first thought when i saw the mess this morning... I do have a carpet shampooer and will see how much it can soak up/dilute. I am not sure how much damage has been done. I cranked up my dehumidifier and that usually does a good job drying things out... Thanks again.. __________________ 265 Gallon Reef built into basement wall. Lighting = 6x250 watts MH, 2x96 watt PC ,and 2x140 watt VHO for a total watt of 1,972 watts . New addition on 4-14-07 of 100 gallon sump and 100 gallon refugium. I think I have lost my mind. Gotta love this hobby Vicki Life is like a pathway of untrodden snow. Be careful how you step in it for every mark will show Definition of FRIENDSHIP: All lives touch other lives to create something new and alive My tank chronicles. http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...wall-reef.html

10-04-2007, 11:22 AM	#15 (permalink)
BigAl07 Reef Addict (hopeless) Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Waynesville, North Carolina Posts: 11,448 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Yikes! ! Flooded Basement. Just remember the dehumidifier will pull the WATER out leaving the salt and everything else pretty well stuck. Get as much up as you can before running it. Just a thought. Allen __________________ ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º> ·´¯`·.¸. , . .·´¯`·.. >((((º> Allen Allen's testimonial . . ."Let Me help you help YOURSELF" (Click Here) with a SW set up there is one basic fundamental rule that we ALL should follow *When in doubt... wait it out. This means take it slow and let the tank "develop" and don't rush it. Time is your friend Ask me about how to increase your REEF budget without going without FOOD!!* Big Al's 10g Julie's (BigAl's Gal) 6g NanoCube BigAl's Slow 90g Tank Chronicle Allens OFFICE 12g Nano-Reef Reef Balls & Cakes Debt Free & Change your Family Tree!!

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