Need some emergency acclimation advice please!!!

donnievaz · Jul 8, 2016

I picked some stuff locally tonight from a guy that was tearing his tank down because he's traveling for work too much and can't maintain it. That's my problem. I've got a bucket full of corals and a Crocea clam, I just tested the alk and it's 5.3 dKH. What's the recommended course of action to get this stuff into my tank without damage. My alk is 7.7 dKH. ph matches at 8.3 for both.

twilliard · Jul 8, 2016

This is a tough call!
5.3 is low
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rayn · Jul 8, 2016

Double check your test. Retest. Make sure it is that low.

If it is, do a lengthy acclimation to it all

twilliard · Jul 8, 2016

In a bucket that will be tough!
Heat, flow and slow additions to the bucket

donnievaz · Jul 8, 2016

rayn said:
Double check your test. Retest. Make sure it is that low.

If it is, do a lengthy acclimation to it all

I did it twice then tested my tank. It's definitely that low.

kschweer · Jul 8, 2016

What kind of corals are there?

Lenny_S · Jul 8, 2016

I really don't think that difference is really that significant. I've seen a number of threads where Alk was accidentally overdosed to the tune of going from 8.0 dKH to like 15 dKH and the result was some burnt tips on acros and elevated pH, but nothing disastrous. I would worry more about light acclimation than the Alk. Just put them down on your sand bed and move them to their final positions slowly over a couple of weeks.

Kershaw · Jul 8, 2016

Lenny_S said:
I really don't think that difference is really that significant. I've seen a number of threads where Alk was accidentally overdosed to the tune of going from 8.0 dKH to like 15 dKH and the result was some burnt tips on acros and elevated pH, but nothing disastrous. I would worry more about light acclimation than the Alk. Just put them down on your sand bed and move them to their final positions slowly over a couple of weeks.

I don't agree or disagree with this. Drip acclimate in the Bucketfor 30 to 45 with maybe with some flow. And hope for the best. I have also had major changes cause no damage. I went from 78 temp to 64 durning a water change. Coral closed and was open next day

donnievaz · Jul 8, 2016

kschweer said:
What kind of corals are there?

Various SPS, couple acros, millepora, I have to ID them, also some aussie acans. On another note does anyone know if it's ok to chisel the rock off with a hammer under the clam? Most of this stuff is on one rock that I don't have room for so it's going to need to come off the rock. The clam wouldn't budge at the guys house so he sold me the whole rock, clam coral and all for $30. How could I pass that up?!

donnievaz · Jul 8, 2016

I put a small pump and heater in the bucket and set up a drip at about 2 drops per second. I'm making new water to replace the dripped water from the display. I'll just drag this out as long as I can I guess. I'd really hate to lose the corals and especially don't want to lose the clam.

jsker · Jul 8, 2016

Do something, I would do a three hour drip acclamation and drop them in and hope for the best.

Lenny_S · Jul 8, 2016

donnievaz said:
Various SPS, couple acros, millepora, I have to ID them, also some aussie acans. On another note does anyone know if it's ok to chisel the rock off with a hammer under the clam? Most of this stuff is on one rock that I don't have room for so it's going to need to come off the rock. The clam wouldn't budge at the guys house so he sold me the whole rock, clam coral and all for $30. How could I pass that up?!

Chisel rock away but leave what the clam is attached to alone, do not try to chisel the clam off the rock

Kershaw · Jul 8, 2016

every time I been in a fish store. I see them open boxes place coral in tanks. No acclimation. Now I don't know if there's ever comes that low. Just throwing it out there

donnievaz · Jul 8, 2016

Lenny_S said:
Chisel rock away but leave what the clam is attached to alone, do not try to chisel the clam off the rock

Yea that's the plan, thanks.

donnievaz · Jul 8, 2016

Kershaw said:
every time I been in a fish store. I see them open boxes place coral in tanks. No acclimation. Now I don't know if there's ever comes that low. Just throwing it out there

I just know I had a pretty large alk swing not too long ago that took out a few corals and it didn't happen that fast.

Kershaw · Jul 8, 2016

donnievaz said:
I just know I had a pretty large alk swing not too long ago that took out a few corals and it didn't happen that fast.

Good point I have read a few threads similer to that also.

Sabellafella · Jul 8, 2016

Your going to have to drip them. If it helps, about 90% of corals including my clams came from 7.0-7.3 alk, my tank runs around 10. Just take it slow, make sure the temp matches at all times