Your thoughts after a bad day of reefing

[Myka]

I always dim the lights if there is a bleaching going on in the tank. I'm not sure that it was caused by the lights being stronger, but from the lack of flow, and possible a temperature drop and fast rise. You mention the pumps were very hot, and I'm thinking the water may be quite warm in the sump too. The other thing to think about is the possibility of the melting plastic leeching toxins.

[dcw1sfu]

the melted plastic thing was mentioned on another site as well. I did a 30% water change this morning and replaced the carbon in my reactor. Also added another bag of carbon into my filter sock just in case.

Maybe I'll do a second big water change tomorrow as well to be safe. Funny though not all acros are affected just the ones that would have been hit the hardest by the lights so that's why I assumed it was the lighting. Good news it although they paled out all are showing nice polyp extension so I believe they should have no problem recovering. The question is just how long that will take.

[ReefGrrl]

Originally Posted by Myka

I always dim the lights if there is a bleaching going on in the tank. I'm not sure that it was caused by the lights being stronger, but from the lack of flow, and possible a temperature drop and fast rise. You mention the pumps were very hot, and I'm thinking the water may be quite warm in the sump too. The other thing to think about is the possibility of the melting plastic leeching toxins.

+1 on melting plastic, also I'd be wondering about melting copper leaching from the pump windings, but my knowledge of motor technology might be 'way off base when it comes to aquarium pumps....I feel for you.

[dcw1sfu]

I'm wondering if I should do another 30% water change tonight to be safe.

[brisco]

I think that water change = cheap insurance. Just when you think you have it worked out, I mean you have back-up pumps ready to go and everything. You need beer!

[emerald crab]

I would do a water change, even if it won't help, definitely it won't hurt and I would dim the lights a bit. A week ago when we checked your light level it was quite high.

[dcw1sfu]

Did another 30% water change and lights have been dimmed until the acros recover. Fingers are crossed.

[Myka]

Originally Posted by dcw1sfu

Did another 30% water change and lights have been dimmed until the acros recover. Fingers are crossed.

Seems like a good plan of attack. Good luck. Make sure your skimmer is running well too - it can remove all sorts of yuckies.