SPS Tank O Death

[argan]

I would say your problems are related to the small size of the tank

[michika]

Originally Posted by argan

I would say your problems are related to the small size of the tank

And why would say this? I've previously kept a smaller system that was quite successful on its own.

[Pan]

Yeah i'd second that, the size is not an issue. Many, Many incredible sps tanks are smaller.

[argan]

in skimming over your tank thread, i didnt see if you have a skimmer. do you use one?

also do you not use supplements like trace elements and stront/iodide?

bad things happen quicker in small tanks in my experience. yes there are tons of nice nano tanks but JMO they seem like extra work and headaches.

[michika]

The tank journal lists the details on the skimmer and my maintenance practices.
- Yes I run a skimmer
- No I don't dose trace elements

Nanos aren't that much of a headache, this one has the same maintenance, if not less then my 300g system I previously kept.

[Chowder]

Catherine not sure if you covered this but what are the temp swings in your tank? When acclimating the corals to the light do you place the corals on the sand bed and slowly move them up into place where you want to place them?

[Jason McK]

OK 1 hour later and I'm caught up on your horror story. WOW this has been going on too long. I commend your efforts.

I'm not sure at this point I would trust your Nitrate monitor. With the algae issues you had it clearly indecated you had an issue. I'm wondering if there is just too much nutrients in the water. I think you have addresses alot of it by checking your TDS out of your RO/DI but what is still in your tank? I'm sorry I might have misses it but are you running Phosphate remover?
I know your running Carbon. Another think I read and wanted to share.
When cleaning your filter socks. I use baking soda it gets them really clean + if there is anything left it will just add alittle temporary ALK boost.

Looking at the pictures of the SPS it appears the biggest symptom of desater is the loss if the slime coat. I resently experienced this and found a combination of low Alk and high SG was the cause.

Sorry I know it's late in the game and I maybe repeating other comments.

J

[Myka]

Originally Posted by michika

The tank journal lists the details on the skimmer and my maintenance practices.

Not everyone wants to sift through the 23 (or so) pages of it though! Yeesh! I skimmed the 23 pages in about 10 minutes, and that was bad enough.

Have you tried any of these recommendations yet? Any changes?

[michika]

Actually I'm still gathering data, its only been a day and half since I posted this. I am also still waiting on the delivery of my ORP monitor so I can't do anything until I've decided on a course of action.