shrimp & invert problem

[fchaulk]

Hello

My tank is a 70gal , my water parameters are
ph - ~8.3
nitrate - 0
nitrate - 0
ammonia - 0
calcium - too high to read
carbonate (KH) - >200
Hydrometer - between 1.022 & 1.023 (refractometer on the way)
Tank is 3 months old with only 2 small Clowns and a bicolor blenny, these have been in the tank doing excellent for a month now.
35lb of liverock so far and a 4in florida crushed coral sandbed.

Ok now I get to the question, every shrimp I have tried , peppermint , cleaner or fireblood dies. The two starfish I have tried died . Most snails die , although they do live longer than the shrimp. I am in Africa right now and my wife sent me these parameters and I though i would get some advice before I get home. I recently got an RO/DI unit and when I get home I am planning on changing out all my water over a couple weeks ( Would this me OK). I have not added any Med's or anything to the tank.

I was into freshwater before and sold it all off to start this saltwater tank. I am not planing on adding anything in the near future, until I get all my LiveRock in and cured. Just wondering if anyone has any idea why I am having trouble with inverts.

Thanks
Frank

[Jack]

I would wait to see what the refractormeter checks in at compaired to the hydrometer. Sometimes they can be way off and it could explain your deaths.

Also, high/low temperatures?

[fchaulk]

Yes never though about that , would be better to have more accurate reading on my water parameter before I do any changes. Also will need it to mix up my new water. What S.G do most people run their tanks at? I have been aiming for 1.023 , but in my recent readings is seems like most people are aiming for 1.025?

I have one 250w ebo Jager set at 25. Tanks runs between 25 & 26, although on hot days I did see it reach 27 . I am adding the second heater when I get home.

Thanks
Frank

[Aquattro]

Has this tank ever had copper in it?

[fchaulk]

Nope , brand new tank when I sold off all my freshwater. No copper has been added or was ever in this tank. I forgot to mention that a feather duster I have once looked like it died but after a couple weeks it seems to be almost back to it's full size. I (or my wife wince I am in Africa now) have been adding a small capful of ??? , (have to get my wife to email the product name) every couple weeks but the shrimp were dying before I put the feather duster in and started doing this.

Thanks
Frank

[Jack]

It must be tough to trouble shoot your tank from Africa when you're new to the hobby!

[fchaulk]

yes that it would be tough, I will be home in a week and I am just trying to get some ideas and where I should start when I get home.

Thanks
Frank

[Jack]

No worries. Let us know when you're back.

[fchaulk]

will do that
Thanks
Frank