Please help. About to give up.

[cdemoss01]

Hello,
I have been battling issues in my reef tank for forever now. algae, and too low or too high nitrates. Currently I walked into my tank and my black clownfish is showing major signs of aggression towards everybody especially the male occelaris. On top of that it bothered my basslet she has now disappeared from her sleeping spot at least for now. My other orange clownfish is gasping for air. My starry blenny who is usually black during the day is currently white and purple with its spots on the sand. My coral beauty seems to be doing fine but it as well is sitting on the sand most likely sleeping I hope. But my biggest fear currently are some white foamy bubbles at the top of my tank. These have sort of appeared. I do RX reef flux for briopis and hair algae as my battle continues with them. Is this a sign of something serious having to do with the air or a possible overdose of the flux? I am about to give this hobby up as I've never actually gotten to enjoy it. Its always been spend more money and stop the algae! I've only had it good once back about 2 months ago when I could pick the algae out and not have a single worry about the fish. What should I do?
@vetteguy53081

 

[vetteguy53081]

Hello,
I have been battling issues in my reef tank for forever now. algae, and too low or too high nitrates. Currently I walked into my tank and my black clownfish is showing major signs of aggression towards everybody especially the male occelaris. On top of that it bothered my basslet she has now disappeared from her sleeping spot at least for now. My other orange clownfish is gasping for air. My starry blenny who is usually black during the day is currently white and purple with its spots on the sand. My coral beauty seems to be doing fine but it as well is sitting on the sand most likely sleeping I hope. But my biggest fear currently are some white foamy bubbles at the top of my tank. These have sort of appeared. I do RX reef flux for briopis and hair algae as my battle continues with them. Is this a sign of something serious having to do with the air or a possible overdose of the flux? I am about to give this hobby up as I've never actually gotten to enjoy it. Its always been spend more money and stop the algae! I've only had it good once back about 2 months ago when I could pick the algae out and not have a single worry about the fish. What should I do?
@vetteguy53081

Ive heard of reef flux having effect with certain livestock and causing water quality issue. Fluconazole is an alternative and not a solution in many cases. Sounds like possible low dissolved oxygen and other water quality issue but need to see a video under white light intensity for best assessment

 

[cdemoss01]

Ive heard of reef flux having effect with certain livestock and causing water quality issue. Fluconazole is an alternative and not a solution in many cases. Sounds like possible low dissolved oxygen and other water quality issue but need to see a video under white light intensity for best assessment

All other fish seem to be fine except for the occelaris. What do I do if that is the case? Filter is about at half power currently.

 

[vetteguy53081]

All other fish seem to be fine except for the occelaris. What do I do if that is the case? Filter is about at half power currently.

That reason for video. Would like to see the fish, the tank and filter

 

[cdemoss01]

That reason for video. Would like to see the fish, the tank and filter

Will need a minute. Tank is currently having certain algae growth on the glass as well. White light will be disgusting to look at but I guess you are the docter.

 

[saltyfins]

All other fish seem to be fine except for the occelaris. What do I do if that is the case? Filter is about at half power currently.

air stone, aim the flow to top of water.... how old is your tank, size? that could help. do you know your parameters?

 

[ruudy1761]

All other fish seem to be fine except for the occelaris. What do I do if that is the case? Filter is about at half power currently.

I'm no expert but in my experience adding stuff to your tank without needing to just because its the done thing because so called people selling you this stuff know your tank won't flourish without it why not try just letting your tank level itself out without adding anything to it and doing regular small water changes instead

 

[cdemoss01]

air stone, aim the flow to top of water.... how old is your tank, size? that could help. do you know your parameters?

5 years 65 gallon non stop battle

 

[cdemoss01]

This is the video it’s low quality.. couldn’t fix it. The fish in the last part of the video is alive it’s a starry blenny.

 

[Formulator]

Algaecides should be banned. 90% of the time they cause problems. Usually at the expense of new reefers. Sorry you are dealing with this issue. Too late now, but fixes in bottles are usually not the answer. Get the flow up in your tank and add some carbon. Do some water changes. Throw that product in the garbage. Learn to embrace the algae and stop fiddling with chemistry. Give it time and coralline will out compete most of the green stuff. A little algae is part of a healthy ecosystem.

 

[cdemoss01]

The video won’t upload its stuck at 100 I’ll keep trying

 

[cdemoss01]

@vetteguy53081

 

[Jimbo327]

When I used Reef flux, I only used 1/2 dose. I pulled as much of the algae manually prior to dosing because algae dying is going to pollute the tank. I also tested for Ammonia/Nitrates and Phosphates on a daily basis, and had GFO running to absorb some of the nutrients released back by the dying algae. I also turned on the skimmer after 2-3 days from dosing and changed out the filter floss often to remove any dying algae. During treatment, I also removed the algae by hand as well because it was much easier after the algae turned white.

At your current situation, I would increase flow in the tank by turning up the powerheads and point a few powerheads to break surface tension, turn up the skimmer, and test for ammonia/nitrates/phosphates..and add GFO if phosphates are high. You may be lacking oxygen by how your fishes are reacting or your ammonia might have spiked due to things dying.

 

[cdemoss01]

When I used Reef flux, I only used 1/2 dose. I pulled as much of the algae manually prior to dosing because algae dying is going to pollute the tank. I also tested for Nitrates and Phosphates on a daily basis, and had GFO running to absorb some of the nutrients released back by the dying algae. I also turned on the skimmer after 2-3 days from dosing and changed out the filter floss often to remove any dying algae. During treatment, I also removed the algae by hand as well because it was much easier after the algae turned white.

Yea I’ve dosed it before too. This is why it’s different.

 

[Formulator]

I had a beautiful mixed reef that I neglected for 2 years and ended up with a disgusting mess of algae and death. I finally decided to turn things around and get my tank back this year. In February I started off with manual siphoning, improved flow and a mission of stability. My PO4 is still very high (0.5-1.0), but that’s a can of worms I don’t want to get into here. Anyways this is what 5 months of stability, a renewed clean up crew, and no non-essential chemicals can do for a tank. I still have a way to go, but slow and steady wins the race. There is hope for you yet!

January 2024

Today:

What I once had, 2021, working my way back…

 

[cdemoss01]

Looking good. I once had it like this uo until April. Not big corals but just clean. If I follow your method I could possibly get it back. But the main issue is. I’m 14 can’t drive csnt go anywhere to get anything for the tank. I am planning on going to get 20 gallons of saltwater and doing a 10 gallon change for around a month.

 

[Formulator]

Looking good. I once had it like this uo until April. Not big corals but just clean. If I follow your method I could possibly get it back. But the main issue is. I’m 14 can’t drive csnt go anywhere to get anything for the tank. I am planning on going to get 20 gallons of saltwater and doing a 10 gallon change for around a month.

I can see how that would complicate things. If you get an allowance or have a summer job, I suggest saving up for an RODI system so you can make your own water. You could even try to “market” it to your parents and see if they would be interested in getting one for a purified drinking water tap in your house

 

[cdemoss01]

I can see how that would complicate things. If you get an allowance or have a summer job, I suggest saving up for an RODI system so you can make your own water. You could even try to “market” it to your parents and see if they would be interested in getting one for a purified drinking water tap in your house

I’ve got a 85 dollar one been making water for a while and using it. I have a chemiblue sock should I put that into my filter?

 

[Formulator]

I’ve got a 85 dollar one been making water for a while and using it. I have a chemiblue sock should I put that into my filter?

Why do you need to go buy saltwater for a water change? If you have an RODI system, you should be making your own! Its not just for top-off…. Yes chemiblue carbon is great stuff and will help remove the algaecide that seems to be causing issues for you.

 

[cdemoss01]

Why do you need to go buy saltwater for a water change? If you have an RODI system, you should be making your own! Its not just for top-off…. Yes chemiblue carbon is great stuff and will help remove the algaecide that seems to be causing issues for you.

Do you think anything will die?