New to reefs would appreciate any input.

[ClownTrigger25]

Have a fairly new tank (3 weeks)36 bow front. Parameters good except 80 ppm nitrates. I know I was supposed to be patient but i got back into the hobby because of my 2 yr old son. I have had numerous tanks over the years including marine. It has been about 15 yrs since I last had a set up and never delved into reef systems simply because of the cost. Anyway yes I was impatient i have 2 damsels and 2 small clowns (nemo of course for my son) a small xenia small mushroom and a few other small frags I got cheap. I also have a stubby finger leather coral that was doing great until a few days ago it started "melting" losing tips and drooping. It still has its polyps out all day long seems alive but look horrible. and the pieces falling off continue to have their reddish brownish polyps out as well. No idea what is going on with this thing everything else is thriving I know its way too early to have stuff but it was all cheap and I'm as patient as my son. Also i bought the seaclone hob skimmer and so far not impressed seems like junk. Any suggestions on a quality hob skimmer?

 

[reeferfoxx]

Have a fairly new tank (3 weeks)36 bow front. Parameters good except 80 ppm nitrates. I know I was supposed to be patient but i got back into the hobby because of my 2 yr old son. I have had numerous tanks over the years including marine. It has been about 15 yrs since I last had a set up and never delved into reef systems simply because of the cost. Anyway yes I was impatient i have 2 damsels and 2 small clowns (nemo of course for my son) a small xenia small mushroom and a few other small frags I got cheap. I also have a stubby finger leather coral that was doing great until a few days ago it started "melting" losing tips and drooping. It still has its polyps out all day long seems alive but look horrible. and the pieces falling off continue to have their reddish brownish polyps out as well. No idea what is going on with this thing everything else is thriving I know its way too early to have stuff but it was all cheap and I'm as patient as my son. Also i bought the seaclone hob skimmer and so far not impressed seems like junk. Any suggestions on a quality hob skimmer?

Welcome back to the hobby! Being impatient can lead to failure. Typically we add one fish per month. Doing this allows the nitrifying bacteria to grow to help convert ammonia to nitrite to nitrates. Chances are with the current bio-load you will see corals dying left and right. Easiest thing you can do to help whats messed up is purchase some bacteria in a bottle. Dr. Tims one and only or Bio-spira are my two picks. Might also help to remove any coral.

Best HOB skimmer for that size tank is the Aquamaxx HOB-1. Been running mine for over 2 years now. It's a beast. Also get the added Bubble Stopper attachment. You won't ever have to look at another skimmer. Until you upgrade. ;) Good luck.

 

[Maacc]

I would recommend the aquamaxx hob1 or deltec mce400. Also you want to step up your water changes likely to weekly. Post your parameters and some pictures and it will help tailor the advice people can offer.
As stated above probably too much too fast for your bacterial population to keep up. Dr Tim's or biospira bacteria in a bottle can help, but 2x a week water changes of parameter matched water can likely help more until your biological filter catches up.

 

[reeferfoxx]

I would recommend the aquamaxx hob1 or deltec mce400. Also you want to step up your water changes likely to weekly. Post your parameters and some pictures and it will help tailor the advice people can offer.
As stated above probably too much too fast for your bacterial population to keep up. Dr Tim's or biospira bacteria in a bottle can help, but 2x a week water changes of parameter matched water can likely help more until your biological filter catches up.

Agreed, unless ammonia is present. In which case could stall the cycle.

 

[Emmagmrtz]

Best to know phosphate level and ammonia if any. Also which salt your using. And I know you have only 36g but those nitrate are really high for only being up for 3week. Try not to feed flakes and feed every 3 days or so. I don't feed for weeks sometime with no problem. I use to feed everyday and twice a day. Stop that and fishes will do well still. I have more of an reef tank then fishes. Also I started my tank about 3 month but added coral with in 2 week. You just need to know what to do and look out for

 

[ClownTrigger25]

Thanks for the insight. Used tap water to fill tank. March 4th pH 8.0-8.2 Amm 0-0.25 trite 0 trate 20-40. march 16th pH 8.0-8.2 Amm 0-0.25 trite 0.5 trate 80. Salinity reading high .27-.28 have a red sea refractometer arriving in a few days to hopefully give me an accurate reading. I used red sea coral pro salt to set up the tank.

 

[Emmagmrtz]

Gotta get phosphate readings also. If nitrates are that high I can assume phosphate are too. Also tap water isn't good at all. Unfiltered water will have metals, organic that can cause what you experienced. Some have better water only way to know is with a tds meter which measure conductivity like metal or organic waste or life that isn't good for reef tank. Just nitrates alone can effect a coral that came from a system with low nutrient just from the shock of different level of nitrates, but I assume your water source should be change to local lfs rodi water or make your own.

 

[Emmagmrtz]

And try bringing the salinity down slowly.

 

[Hemlawk]

old school

 

[PJS]

Welcome to R2R and welcome back to the salty side!
Good luck with getting the tank stable. I know you know but..... Slooooooooooooowwwww is goooooood!

 

[Frop]

I also have a stubby finger leather coral that was doing great until a few days ago it started "melting" losing tips and drooping. It still has its polyps out all day long seems alive but look horrible. and the pieces falling off continue to have their reddish brownish polyps out as well.

Thanks for the insight. Used tap water to fill tank.

That would have chlorine and other things.

trate 80. Salinity reading high .27-.28

Seems like a ton of nitrate....


P.s. Welcome!

 

[rckfsh44]

Have a fairly new tank (3 weeks)36 bow front. Parameters good except 80 ppm nitrates. I know I was supposed to be patient but i got back into the hobby because of my 2 yr old son. I have had numerous tanks over the years including marine. It has been about 15 yrs since I last had a set up and never delved into reef systems simply because of the cost. Anyway yes I was impatient i have 2 damsels and 2 small clowns (nemo of course for my son) a small xenia small mushroom and a few other small frags I got cheap. I also have a stubby finger leather coral that was doing great until a few days ago it started "melting" losing tips and drooping. It still has its polyps out all day long seems alive but look horrible. and the pieces falling off continue to have their reddish brownish polyps out as well. No idea what is going on with this thing everything else is thriving I know its way too early to have stuff but it was all cheap and I'm as patient as my son. Also i bought the seaclone hob skimmer and so far not impressed seems like junk. Any suggestions on a quality hob skimmer?

The best book I read is Saltwater Aquaruims for Dummies