[KetteringFishGuy]

I'm new to the site...

Live in Kettering, Ohio. Have a 55 gallon salt-water tank that just had a toxic explosion. Lost 7 fish... don't really know why.

I had just did a 20% water change last Thursday, and over the next few days, the readings were fine. Then on Monday, all the fish started breathing heavy. I tested the water and all of the sudden, "all" levels were high! So, added Ammonia lock-up, did another 20% water change, etc. and with-in hours, all fish died.

I have a Fuval 404, power head, dip filter, live rock, live sand, fair lighting, and no corals... rock and fish only.

I'm really bummed and about ready to give it up.

I welcome encouragement and suggestions on rebuilding.

Thanks, Tom

[rlcline76]

Tom,
Welcome and I'm sorry to hear about your loss. How long has your tank been up and running? What test brand are you using?

[msbdiving]

A few of the things that come to mind (this might not apply to you) high chlorine levels if using tap water, new tank hasn't cycled yet, added a bunch of rock or sand and started the cycling process all over again. Give us a little more about your tank and we'll help you out.

[KetteringFishGuy]

I've had my tank for over a year. I always use distilled water for adding and a salt-mix from local fish store for large replacement (20%).

I have a fair amount of live rock and live sand since day 1, use Mardel brand test strips...

I did replace a sponge filter in my drip filter recently so I wonder if the cycle process had to run again... However, with the Fuval 404 in the 55 gallon tank, I would have thought that would have maintained the bateria and such in it, the rocks, and live sand...

I'm going to post a question about "How to best clean my tank rocks", now that I may start all over again.. Someone suggested a mixure of Bleach and something??? I won't do it till I get the appropriate advise... I just want to have the tank so to speak, start fresh with-in the tank. I won't rinse the fuval or drip filters.

Thanks for helping me with this... My wife if bummed that I'm even considering not to do the tank at all, so I need your advise and encouragement.

Thanks, tom

[msbdiving]

Do not use bleach!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you need to clean off your rocks, get a brush and use some salt water mix (fresh stuff if you think the other stuff is bad). As long as you already have about 1.5-2lbs lr and a few inches of ls, I can't imagine the filter change could do that. However, if you are much lower than this, it would be a possibility. I would still suggest checking your tank for chlorine. I believe water companies add higher amounts of chlorine to the water supply during summer months. I don't believe a simple DI system would take it out versus a RO/DI unit. Straight DI units are used up after a few uses unless refilled. You can also get a TDS meter and check your water before salt is added.

[NATIVEVAMAN]

I would get a water sample and test it with the mardel stuff and take that same sample to your lfs and get them to test it.See If the stuff is good or out of date.

[glampka]

I would double check the salinity of the salt water you're getting from the lfs. There have been a number of instances where people bought salt water from the store only to find out that it was not what it was supposed to be. Look at when the problem started - after you did a water change! If you have any of the water from the lfs left that hasn't been added to the tank - test that.

[KetteringFishGuy]

Thanks to all who posted. I'm wondering if a hidding Flame Cardinal was actually dead and poisoned the tank... I did clean the rocks with new saltwater, cleaned the tank and will try again before I throw in the towel.

I appreciate the suggestions.

Tom

[ACE]

Originally Posted by KetteringFishGuy

Thanks to all who posted. I'm wondering if a hidding Flame Cardinal was actually dead and poisoned the tank... I did clean the rocks with new saltwater, cleaned the tank and will try again before I throw in the towel.

I appreciate the suggestions.

Tom

That could very well be one dead fish that was not taken out will cause levels in your tank to spike.

Sorry for your loss.