My corals are slowly dying and I can't figure out why??

[masterswimmer]

"The Pinpoint fluid happens to be made to match seawater in other respects, not just conductivity.."

Would you care to explain why my pinpoint and refracto give both the same exact readings if you think otherwise? Both calibrated with the same fluid?

I just did some research and I stand corrected. It does seem that the American Marine 53mS Calibration Solution is an accepted standard for calibrating refractometers. Good call out.

Russ

 

[jschottenfeld]

Sounds like a $9 bottle will be a good step in hopefully the right direction.

 

[Breakin Newz]

I just did some research and I stand corrected. It does seem that the American Marine 53mS Calibration Solution is an accepted standard for calibrating refractometers. Good call out.

Russ

:smash::smash::smash:

 

[masterswimmer]

:smash::smash::smash:

???

Isn't owning up the right thing to do??? :yo:

 

[masterswimmer]

Sounds like a $9 bottle will be a good step in hopefully the right direction.

+1

I hope Randy hit the nail on the head. Like he said, it would be the easy fix to what is now an imposing problem.

Russ

 

[Breakin Newz]

Yes, I'm just messing with you! Lol

Sent from my ADR6300 using Reefs

 

[Wes]

This is just a guess based on my anecdotal experiences so take it as you will.

On 2 separate occasions over the years, I have experienced similar symptoms while all of my measured parameters remained rock solid. Slow SPS decline resulting in death of some colonies.

The first time it went on forever and I couldn't figure it out. I had a thread going here about it. I finally ended up getting my water lab tested and it showed an iodine deficiency. I started dosing iodide and I could almost immediately see my corals begin to recover.

The second time happened recently. A slow decline in SPS while parameters remained stable. Started dosing brightwell iodion and everything bounced back. I now dose it regularly in small amounts.

All systems are different and mine seems to consume iodine at a rate that can't be maintained with my 15% water changes that are performed every other weekend.

 

[jschottenfeld]

I agree....if he really mean't it he would be hitting you with 2 hammers! LOL!! I need to score some calibration solution.

 

[jschottenfeld]

Wes, I was thinking about iodine deficiency. I have a good amount of xenia in my fuge. I think that I once read that they consume iodine. I will start dosing trace amounts just to get the ball rolling and record the date to see what happens.

 

[prattreef]

Wes, I was thinking about iodine deficiency. I have a good amount of xenia in my fuge. I think that I once read that they consume iodine. I will start dosing trace amounts just to get the ball rolling and record the date to see what happens.

Yes Xenia are iodine sponges, and Wes could very well be right. We now have our 2nd easy to investigate/correct parameter to explore. Let's hope we don't need to find #3/

 

[Arati]

If you can swing it a lab test would be ideal and could find you the answer you seek quickly, and save you alot of time chasing down hunches.

Is it possible your tank overheated for a short time? (another hunch) I lost nearly all of my acro's from a brief but serious over heat a few yrs ago.

 

[Mattl22]

+1 on the over heat
2 times my tank temp went way up lost a few sps


Sent from my iPhone using Reefs

 

[jschottenfeld]

Then Iodine it will be! I'll start dosing tonight and check back with you guys in a week or two. Thanks! I know that slow and steady wins the race but are there negative effects to dosing iodine a little heavier in the beginning?

 

[jschottenfeld]

I am very dilligent on the temp of my tank. The absolute highest that it ever hits is 82 - 83 degrees in the summer. I make sure that my chiller is always operating correctly. It went out last summer right at the height of summer temps.

Where can I get my water tested? I am in Nassau.

 

[masterswimmer]

Then Iodine it will be! I'll start dosing tonight and check back with you guys in a week or two. Thanks! I know that slow and steady wins the race but are there negative effects to dosing iodine a little heavier in the beginning?

Wes, great call on this.

CAUTION: Before you start dosing any type of iodide/iodine you need to test for it. Even if you decide to dose, it's important to know your baseline before you start.

Russ

 

[jschottenfeld]

Oops....well I can always test before my second dose of iodine. You know...after I pickup an Iodine test kit this weekend.

 

[prattreef]

Just go slowly and you'll be ok.

 

[jschottenfeld]

Just wanted to chime in with an update....
Over the last month my tank has seemed to turn the corner, corals that were almost goners have started exhibiting new growth from the small parts that didn't die. My monti's are flourishing with color, (they were the ones most affected).

What caused the turn around?? Tough call. I know any analytical thinker only changes one parameter at a time to find out the problem. I didn't have that luxury so I changed 2 parameters. I increased my feeding to 3x per week (up from 1....I know that was too little), and I started adding a weekly dose of iodine.

It possibly could have been that the corals were weakened by the food restriction and that coupled with low iodine levels caused the slide. Previously I had a large crop of xenia in my tank, I have since removed most of those as well.

Anyway, thanks to everyone who offered their ideas and it's great to belong to a board like this.

Jan

 

[prattreef]

That is great news.

 

[masterswimmer]

Jan, it's such a pleasure to hear such positive news in our hobby. So often these crashes result in catastrophic losses.

Kudos to you for persevering and succeeding.

:grouphug:

Best regards,
Russ