Tank crash... What to do? (1 Viewer)

[R33FM4N]

I have been in the hobby for about 4+ years, bit until today, I have never had a problem. About 3 months ago I started a new 15gal tank for the kids. Everything was going fine until the other day. When I came home my new corals looked puffy and white, and algae was starting to grow out of control. The temperature was 4 degrees warmer than usual. I checked the water parameters (amonia, nitrates, phosphates, pH, dkh) and all were the same as usual. Other than the temp, nothing was out of whack. So, the question is what could be wrong? I have never had this problem before. Also, if anyone lives in the baytown area and has a health tank, let me know if you would be willing to try and keep them alive, if it is not too late. You can have them for free. I would rather someone else have them than see them die.

R33FM4N

 

[Mark L.]

Honestly it could be a lot of things. The first sign of trouble I see is you put SPS and LPS in a 15 gal tank that is only 3 months old. That is just asking for trouble. What is your lighting? Filtration? Fish? additives? Water change sched., water auto top off? etc.

 

[jqsquared]

Algae generally grows gradually and are caused by excess nutrients. In your case because your tank is so new I would say it could even be cycle related. How did you cycle the tank ?

 

[R33FM4N]

When I said I set it up 3 months ago I meant I started adding livestock (snails and hermits) and added a sump and stand. I do 20% water changes weekly the rock and sand where moved from an established tank when I set it up. There were no fish and little livestock. I am aware things can change quickly in a small tank, but I am sure it was not a cycling issue. That struck me as odd was the corals puffing up like a sponge. Even after massive water changes there was no improvement. The corals have been in the tank for a couple of weeks before the incident with no issues.

R33FM4N

 

[jqsquared]

Do you currently have fish now?


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[RR-MAN]

In my opinion, first thing siphon out the sand little by little every time you do a water change. Your sand bed looks bad. The sand hardened and looks clumpy.

Move the corals to a different tank or let someone hold them for you. Some pieces are already dead bases on pictures. Stabilize the tank before you add corals.

GL>>>

 

[Reefahholic]

Doesn't look good. I won't try to give a diagnosis without being there in person to see the system and what's going on.

I live at 45 south and beltway 8 intersect near Pasadena. If you bring the corals to me, I'll keep them alive for you.

 

[reeftopia]

Could be many things but you said the temp was up 4 degrees. Is it possible that it went even higher than that for a short time. Corals do not like big temp swings.