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#1
07-05-2013, 05:17 AM
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Yes, I use drop tests for pH. I will get a digital reader, no problem. The thing is, my pH is a bit low, not high. Is my light cycle long enough without a lighted sump? 11 hours white, 12 hours blue.
I'm not sure the water is the problem -- maybe more that I'm not identifying the actual source of the problem. I realized tonight that I had not retested my levels of usage with this new brand of salt. I was dosing based on the old brands levels. Also, I test AFTER the water change usually, not before, so the water would seem to be pretty good each time. Then I dose with the same pattern. Tonight, instead of changing the water, I prepped some for tomorrow night and spent time thoroughly testing and cleaned out the filter canister again. Sucked up some skanky water from the bottom of my skimmer canister too. I put in an ammonia filter in the canister tonight too, so now I'm running that, the nitrate filter medium and carbon. I will try to get some of the liquid stuff too. I want to start having on this stuff on hand. Right now I program my phone to alert me when to dose what. Maybe it's time to invest in some sort of dosing control system. Our next tank will be drilled for sure -- if we can survive this issue and be stable for a year. Hubby promised.  Powerheads have always been on, just the "filter sleeves" on the inside have been removed.
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Scuba Girl Last edited by ScubaGirl; 07-05-2013 at 05:29 AM. 
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#2
07-05-2013, 05:32 AM
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If I read your post correctly, you test after a water change
I prefer, and recommend, you test your paramaters before a WC Personally, I like to know what's been used and other stuff before a WC so I know what is going on and what I may need to do to keep the Big 3 stable Earlier in my venture, I also tested a day after a WC to see what was up Testing after a WC doesn't give you enough info as it's just what you've changed now, not what's been going on in between the changes Maybe others have different opinions, but, when I'm adding New Salt Water with readings of 10-11 Alk, 450 Ca and 1400-1450 Mag to my system, it makes a difference to me how much and how often I do WCs Changing 15% bi-weekly is very different for me than when I do 10% weekly This is because of my NSW content Hope this makes sense, I'm tired and off to bed 
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#3
07-05-2013, 02:11 PM
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So, my approach now will be:
Anything else pressing? I'll test again tonight when I get home. I have water prepped and will be 24 hour old by then so will do another smaller water change. Probably 20% at most. Thank you again for your help! Everyone looks alive this morning so it's already a better day than yesterday.
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Scuba Girl
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#4
07-07-2013, 02:21 AM
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Quote:
Does your test show zero nitrite and ammonia? How are your fish?
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#5
07-07-2013, 04:47 AM
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No they aren't but I have filter mediums in for both and dosing with binders now too. I have Nitrate Destroyer and just picked up Prime yesterday.
Trigger died Thursday morning. The rest are all doing fine, so it appears. Trigger looked fine the night before was up trying to get algae out of my hand, was eating, etc. I have the QT out and ready to go, water made up, etc. just in case. I didn't test today but will again tomorrow. Everything appears to be perking up. Clam still looks fine internally and none of the snails are hanging out near it and the wrasses are leaving it alone. I might be on the upward slope again. Hoping...Thanks again!
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Scuba Girl
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#6
07-07-2013, 06:25 PM
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Hybrid Mode
