HELP! Nitrate spike - things going down fast :(

[reeffish6]

have you tried vodka dosing? it's supposed to work but it takes about 2 weeks until the magic kicks in.

[Nate]

I would put money on this tank possibly being skimmer less, with a canister filter.

I would also bet that there is not enough surface agitation and there Is a buildup of protein (looks like oily residue) on surface of aquarium. Lowering your oxygen levels stressing fish. Add a powerhead just under the surface of water spraying upwards and I bet in 30
Mins the fish look better.

Nitrates in a 2 month period won't be high enough.


Don't try dosing vodka until things are going good for a while and you learn more.

[canadianbudz604]

What were u feeding the gonipora?

[mrhasan]

I am with Kien (15mg/l is nothing to cause such havoc) and Nate (never even think about carbon feeding that tank in its current stage).

Do a big water change; things will get sorted out automatically Unknown issue = water change. Even if it continues after big water change, you might have to start digging further to get the root.

[Jessie]

Okay, so I think I figured things out...
I was electrocuting the tank :0 I heard this clicking sound (like a static spark), very randomly and not overly often last night, and upon further inspection today, I moved a couple power lines (Hydor heater line and Hydor powerhead) and heard the click again. I unplugged and removed both items and all of a sudden my clowns are swimming around like they use to and Blenny seems a bit better. Thinking the "sting" on my arm isn't from the corals...also, I do have a Hydor nano slim skim (doesn't work very well, still oily on top of water). Well I hope I have figured out the problem for sure -still going to do a 50% water change for Nitrate sake. Thanks everyone for your expertise, it is so much appreciated!

[Rogue951]

My Korallias are prone to volt leakage after a while. Put in a grounding probe to help.
Only way I knew was that tingle on my arm.
Still get rid of them when I do but incase I don't notice in time the probe can get rid of it.

[neoh]

I was going to mention voltage, too.. dang.

Glad everything worked out. On a side note; I hope your running gfci!

[SoloSK71]

Originally Posted by Rogue951

My Korallias are prone to volt leakage after a while. Put in a grounding probe to help.
Only way I knew was that tingle on my arm.
Still get rid of them when I do but incase I don't notice in time the probe can get rid of it.

Please do not use a ground probe. Use a GFCI instead. WAY safer.

Charles