Here We Go Again!

[hma]

Originally Posted by Melanie

It would be more helpful if you were specific about what I am doing too fast.

10 gal QT: I would have to respectfully disagree that doing the 6-week treatment of water changes and UV sterilization is harmful or too fast. If anything, I believe it is the safest treatment for Marine Ich that I have read about. It may or may not be the most effective, but as I mentioned when I decided to do it, that I will use another form of treatment if this doesn't work.

72+ gal. DT: If it is the 10% water changes weekly with a lower Ca salt mix (Instant Ocean vs. Tropic Marin Pro Reef,) then I would like a suggestion of a better, safer, slower way to decrease the Calcium in the water.

Excuse Melanie, I thought you make 50% WC in your DT, that would be much too much at one time. In my eyes 50% WC is also in the QT too much at one time. Freshly set seawater is very aggressive. I use freshly set seawater only after approx.. 24 hours for a WC. One can observe that very well into my breed tank, there I also once too much water changed. The result, my entire sea-horses brood died within fewer als12 hours. I would not like to make a fear for you. That is only my personal opinion about WC in any sea water tank.

[Melanie]

Originally Posted by Dentoid

Bringing the Ca down can only happen in 3 ways. One, naturally by uptake from the animals in captivity. Two, by precipitation out of solution when the chemical atmosphere is just right or three, with WC's.

Your Ca is high because you are using a salt mix (TMPR) that is intended for more advanced and mature reefs and reefs that are more heavily stocked with stoney corals. IMO, new reefs and beginners should not use this salt mix!

Personally, I think you could do a 50% WC without and untoward effect on your livestock. Just balance the temp, pH and ALK. Make sure you use a salt lower in Ca though. *wink*

Perfect description and explanation. I would say "Why didn't you tell me this before I used TMPR?" Except I didn't ask. ha ha ha. Sometimes you just have to make the mistakes and learn from them. It WAS working beatifully for awhile but with nothing to suck up the Ca it just kept building up.

Can I add 100 clams and make it go fast? I jk! I swear. I can tolerate the snow globe if the fish and corals can tolerate it.

I don't know if I can tolerate a 50% water change in my DT! he he he. That's a LOT of buckets. I'm visualizing me cursing and lugging all day on Saturday. Wanna help?

[Melanie]

Originally Posted by hma

Excuse Melanie, I thought you make 50% WC in your DT, that would be much too much at one time. In my eyes 50% WC is also in the QT too much at one time. Freshly set seawater is very aggressive. I use freshly set seawater only after approx.. 24 hours for a WC. One can observe that very well into my breed tank, there I also once too much water changed. The result, my entire sea-horses brood died within fewer als12 hours. I would not like to make a fear for you. That is only my personal opinion about WC in any sea water tank.

I thought that's what you interpreted. I do mix my saltwater 24 hours in advance and run a powerhead, thermometer and heater in it to make sure it's the same temp and salinity as the QT. I don't add the freshly mixed stuff to the tank. I mix up the water right after I use it so it's ready the next night. This is a lot of work, but if I can avoid using medications, I'm going to try.

Observations on Day 4 of Water Change/UV Treatment for Marine Ich on my QT: Goby is eating well, active, eyes clear, no scratching, and no visible spots.

[Melanie]

Originally Posted by DrHank

I'm sorry Melanie. After rereading my post that was rude of me. You're right and you're not doing anything too fast. As a matter of fact, it sounds like you have things well under control. I think it may have been my confusion of the QT water changes for your planned actions on your big tank.

Scott has explained the precipitation of Ca perfectly as well as the reason that some folks prefer TMPR salt. I have to admit that when I first started my reef (even before I started testing CA, ALK, and MG) I used Instant Ocean. As I added more corals, a local reef club member suggested I try Reef Crystals. I did and I remember that it seemed that my corals looked better within a month and seemed to be growing more.

Now I am at the point of supplementing Ca, ALK, and to a lesser extent MG. I have heard a number of individuals go from RC to TMPR to reduce the amount of supplementation needed.

I think that all the salts are good but you will eventually have to supplement with any to achieve the best balance. Fortunately, Randy's home made Ca, Alk, and Mg isn't very expensive.

I guess I really suggested RC because it was a gradual step down and I thought it might be what would resolve your precipitation problems while still providing an acceptable amount of Ca for your coral growth without supplementing. I think that Ca is around 460.

Anyway, good luck with whatever you decide and sorry that my last post was less than helpful.

I really appreciate any advice you give. You have been helping me since day one. I hope I didn't sound upset, I just wanted to know what I was you thought I was doing wrong specifically.

[bluespotjawfish]

Melanie, a couple more questions for you to consider:

Are you getting coraline algae growth on your equipment such as your pumps?

Why are you waiting until Saturday to test your Magnesium?

Have you considered lowering your salinity in the DT a little bit to help lower the calcium? What do you keep the salinity in the DT at? If you do lower it, do it slowly and not very much. Keep it within a normal range for corals.

Just a few cents to ponder.

[Melanie]

Originally Posted by bluespotjawfish

Melanie, a couple more questions for you to consider:

Are you getting coraline algae growth on your equipment such as your pumps?

Nope.

Why are you waiting until Saturday to test your Magnesium?

Because I'm tired and I'll set up the whole test kit on Saturday when I do my water change. I test everything every week.

Have you considered lowering your salinity in the DT a little bit to help lower the calcium? What do you keep the salinity in the DT at? If you do lower it, do it slowly and not very much. Keep it within a normal range for corals.

I hadn't heard that. Is that better than just switching to a lower Ca salt? I have had it stable at 1.025 since set up. I open to suggestions.

[Dentoid]

I wasn't suggesting that you do a 50% WC, I was just saying I thought it would be safe as a one time event.

[Melanie]

Originally Posted by Dentoid

I wasn't suggesting that you do a 50% WC, I was just saying I thought it would be safe as a one time event.

So is that a "no" for coming to help?

[ludachris]

Finally I finished reading your Chronicle which I realy enjoyed. WooW you tank looks very nice, great looking coral. I hope your ich treatment works and you lower your CA levels.

Keep up the good work.

[Craig Manoukian]

Keep truckin' Mel!

[Melanie]

Thanks a bunch Ludachris and Craig! I really needed a boost today.

[Craig Manoukian]

Ay time! Any updates?

[tbittner]

Practice, patience, and persistence makes for a beautiful reef tank.

[lcstorc]

Here's a MACNA boost. Lots of info here. Next year you gotta go to the one in Atlanta. It is great!!!!!
Sorry you are having such problems with the Calc. I've been using TMPR for over a year and never had a problem. I guess my clams or corals are hungry. I do have corraline everywhere so I guess that is using some of it at least.
Keep your head up and remember how far you have come.
You are doing great.

[Melanie]

Woo hoo! Someone voted this a 5-star thread! Way to make my day.

I'll have more pics tomorrow. I decided to wait to do my water change until tomorrow since I didn't get to mix up the water last night. Today I'm going to do some tank stuff like hook up my new Hydor Koralia power head; hook up my new auto top off unit; re-hook up my phosban reactor (w/carbon); add my LED moon light.