Diagnose slow decline

[syncro]

Originally Posted by Titus99

I'm guessing ha and cyano may be from po4.

Phosphates are 0 mG/Lt. Though, I've read algae will expand to consume any extra phosphates so tests will usually read 0.

Originally Posted by 11purewater

May be H2S gas in your sandbed

h2s - I'll remove the carbon and sniff for rotten egg smell in say 2 or 3 days? I don't vaccum though I have moved the occasional rock and once ran a credit card between the glass and sandbed to clear up some the brown algae spots. Is h2s poisoning quick or slow over weeks? Thanks 11Purewater and Ross.

Originally Posted by toytech

All the symptoms sound like the tank is too clean

Too clean - yeah it seems that way Toytech, though with the addition of the 2 cardinalfish I've significantly increased my feeding. Perhaps the filter floss is catching most of it. Previously I used the original mesh that came with the MP10 powerhead and it didn't get quite so dirty. Based on Ross' suggestion, I've removed the filter floss. Thanks, a "too clean" tank isn't something I'd even considered.

Originally Posted by reefwars

is it possible your tank is contaminated somehow like the silicone

Silicone contamination - tank was built by Concept Aquatics which is a reputable tank builder in town. I have heard that one of the GE silicones isn't acceptable anymore so it is possible. I'll do more research. Thanks reefwars.

Thanks for the help everyone!