Pin point Ph & zoo issues

danny zubot · #1 08-31-2006, 03:20 PM

I have two problems right now.

-The first is that my favorite blue zoos have 95% dissappeared! I don't know why because all of the other zoos in the tank are fine. I've ruled out predators because the colony sits right beside another type that are thriving, and I find it hard to believe that a predator would be picky about the color of zoo they would eat. Am I wrong?

-The other issue is with my Pin point PH monitor. PH read 8.42 on average about a week ago. Bought some calibration solution and tried to adjusted it, I got it as close as I could, then my PH read 7.98. Out of curiosilty I got a different kind of calibration solution from a friend and re-tested last night. It was way different and after getting it as close as I could my PH now read 7.67. I did the ol' lick test on the battery, lots of juice left.

Is my probe worn out? Its about 1.5 years old now. Also, I leave the probe in the sump and only turn on the monitor when needed.

Xtasia · #2 08-31-2006, 03:36 PM

" -The first is that my favorite blue zoos have 95% dissappeared! I don't know why because all of the other zoos in the tank are fine. I've ruled out predators because the colony sits right beside another type that are thriving, and I find it hard to believe that a predator would be picky about the color of zoo they would eat. Am I wrong?"

- they can be... I've noticed predators to prefer color as have another zoo owners. but I wouldn't blame it on that, yet.. not when there are other more likely reasons. Doesn't hurt to check for snails tho.
- Could be lighting. Some zoos prefer high light, some do better with lower light. Have you moved them recently?
- Any slime? Any soft zoos?
- Are they disappearing at random locations, all at once or from one side to the other?
-I'd recommend fragging 2 frags now if you can.. one you give to a friend after you've zoo dipped it... and one you put in another location... Leave the colony where it is and hope it survives.
- Are there any other corals touching it, LPS, leather?
- Are there any feather dusters, spaghetti or bristle arounds irritating them?
- Any aptasia or Mojano stinging them?

danny zubot · #3 08-31-2006, 04:02 PM

Hmmm, haven't noticed any slime. Whole polyps are just gone, there might be 10-12 of 100 left, and they aren't fraggable where I have them sitting. I did just get a new reflector recently that sheds more light on them, could that be it? They aren't any other corals close by to irritate them, but I noticed last night that brittle stars sometimes hang out on the various other zoo colonies. To brittle stars eat zoos?

Skimmerking · #4 08-31-2006, 04:30 PM

Danny you were saying that your Ph probe is 1.5 years old What I would do is get another probe. My self i use the hand held HANNA ones with the PH and the Temp they arre great and the probe lasts along time.

Joe Reefer · #5 08-31-2006, 05:55 PM

I would say get a new probe, when calibrating becomes difficult they are ussually shot. I lost my favorite blue zoos a while ago, very frustrating I feel your pain.

danny zubot · #6 08-31-2006, 06:06 PM

I will most likely order a new probe today. 50+ dollars ouch!

There are still a half dozen blue zoos left so hopefully they make a come back. I forgot to mension that after I re-arranged the tank I ended up with a smaller colony of blue zoos in a different area, they are gone too! I con't help but wonder if my PH issues had something to do with that? Time for a big water change I guess.

Xtasia · #7 08-31-2006, 11:56 PM

Zoos are pretty tough..

Are you sure there no possible irritents? Some starfish in the asterina family eat zoos... even things like spaghetti worms etc eat zoos.. .How long have you had them in the tank? Are they soft at all? like.. mashed potatoes, jujubes or hard nipples?

yes I said nipples..

GMGQ · #8 09-01-2006, 12:46 AM

Shine a bright LED flashlight on them at night when they're closed up. Move the light around for several minutes to check out every nook and cranny.

Zoo eating nudi's are a high probability. I just lost a whack of zoos to them. They're recovering now, but I still see a nudi here and there.
You just have to be patient and look really hard.

danny zubot · #9 09-01-2006, 02:45 PM

I haven't noticed any kind of predator. I haven't really added anything to the tank for it to hitch hike on, unless it was stuck to my new fish? Some of the zoos are alive but have been closed up for 4-5 days now. I can only hope that they come back eventually.

As for the pin point issues, I ordered another probe and will post my results as soon as I get it.

thanks for everyones help!

Skimmerking · #10 09-01-2006, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danny zubot

results as doon as I get it.

thanks for everyones help!

Danny what is DOON

sorry man its friday morning just having some fun with ya