CaliAquariums
Active Member
Hi Randy & other experienced reefers,
I had a major issue in a clients 8 year old established 225g reef tank where he lost all of his fish within 10 days. Only thing that changed with this client is we just mixed a brand new batch of instant ocean salt in my clients mixing containers (Spectrapure RODI unit with recently replaced filters - 0 TDS reading currently, 10 tds MAX before I replace), and the introduction of 1 clam and 1 bubble coral. We've also been using IO for quite a long time. I've factored it down to being a bad batch of salt, but don't have a clue what could be in it that would cause fish death. Weekly I do a 20g water change and service this tank. After my first water change with the new batch of salt, within a few days, a target mandarin dragonette died. I didn't think much of it, just figured he was old and it happens sometimes. Fast forward 7 days and an Orange Diamond Goby and a blue green chromis die. My only two thoughts are the introduction of the clam and bubble coral and the new batch of salt - no other factors have been altered or changed with this system. I haven't dealt with introduction of a fish parasite on a coral, and there were no signs of ICH or Velvet on any of the fish. So I proceeded with my water change regimen, but bump it up to 35 gallons this time thinking it may help. After my second water change with the new batch I immediately noticed heavy breathing, gils were inflamed and puffed out and within minutes our 12" vlamingi tang was swimming upside down, all other fish were in a lackadaisical state, almost hiding in the shadows as if the light was irritating their eyes.
During the second water change (35 gallons) when I noticed immediately after adding the new salt water in, that the fish were heavily irritated by the new water, I rushed to my shop and picked up our own IO salt (this client has their own mixing bins and RODI unit, which is all kept in doors in its own room, no one touches it besides myself). I've done 2 - 60 gallon water changes with my shops water, added a huge amount of carbon, and I only have 2 fish left. Things seem to be stabling out, but my issue is what in the fresh salt mix could have caused this. I've also lost a couple pieces of SPS but I think that is because the fluctuations and the larger water changes were drastic. If you can please help me or possibly shed some light It would be much appreciated. Thank you
Levels:
Nitrate - 0
Calcium - 400
Alkalinity - 8.3
Magnesium - 1350
ph 8.1-8.3
1.025 salinity both tank and mixing container
Equipment:
2 ASM g2 protein skimmers
BioPellet reactor Warner marine ecobak
Rowaphos reactor
57w UV
1/3 HP chiller
-Austin
California Aquariums
[email protected]
I had a major issue in a clients 8 year old established 225g reef tank where he lost all of his fish within 10 days. Only thing that changed with this client is we just mixed a brand new batch of instant ocean salt in my clients mixing containers (Spectrapure RODI unit with recently replaced filters - 0 TDS reading currently, 10 tds MAX before I replace), and the introduction of 1 clam and 1 bubble coral. We've also been using IO for quite a long time. I've factored it down to being a bad batch of salt, but don't have a clue what could be in it that would cause fish death. Weekly I do a 20g water change and service this tank. After my first water change with the new batch of salt, within a few days, a target mandarin dragonette died. I didn't think much of it, just figured he was old and it happens sometimes. Fast forward 7 days and an Orange Diamond Goby and a blue green chromis die. My only two thoughts are the introduction of the clam and bubble coral and the new batch of salt - no other factors have been altered or changed with this system. I haven't dealt with introduction of a fish parasite on a coral, and there were no signs of ICH or Velvet on any of the fish. So I proceeded with my water change regimen, but bump it up to 35 gallons this time thinking it may help. After my second water change with the new batch I immediately noticed heavy breathing, gils were inflamed and puffed out and within minutes our 12" vlamingi tang was swimming upside down, all other fish were in a lackadaisical state, almost hiding in the shadows as if the light was irritating their eyes.
During the second water change (35 gallons) when I noticed immediately after adding the new salt water in, that the fish were heavily irritated by the new water, I rushed to my shop and picked up our own IO salt (this client has their own mixing bins and RODI unit, which is all kept in doors in its own room, no one touches it besides myself). I've done 2 - 60 gallon water changes with my shops water, added a huge amount of carbon, and I only have 2 fish left. Things seem to be stabling out, but my issue is what in the fresh salt mix could have caused this. I've also lost a couple pieces of SPS but I think that is because the fluctuations and the larger water changes were drastic. If you can please help me or possibly shed some light It would be much appreciated. Thank you
Levels:
Nitrate - 0
Calcium - 400
Alkalinity - 8.3
Magnesium - 1350
ph 8.1-8.3
1.025 salinity both tank and mixing container
Equipment:
2 ASM g2 protein skimmers
BioPellet reactor Warner marine ecobak
Rowaphos reactor
57w UV
1/3 HP chiller
-Austin
California Aquariums
[email protected]
