[trex777]

bought a tank from someone that had it up for 5 years. i changed the sand and cleaned the tank and have put a lot of money in the tank but still having fish and inverts die. found out that i might have a water problem and any advice would be great at this point.

[Marc Smith]

Was this a fresh water tank before hand? Was copper products used as far as you know?

[Krazy]

By changing the sand, the tank is probably going through another cycle...

Have you tested your water ??

Post your parameters for us

[trex777]

it was saltwater the whole time. and yes i have tested the water but i was only testing ph, nitrites, nitrates, and aminiom. i was told i have a phosfate problem? what all should i be testing for to make sure my tank is ok?

[dfurbee]

trex777, I have had the same problem. I changed to distilled water, and things are starting to get better. This is a very pricey hobby, and also very frustrating at times. I still have algae, but my anemone and clowns are all doing fine. Might want to change to distilled water, if you have not already. Deb

[reefdaddy725]

Phosphates I have never heard of them killing fish. Copper and other metals will but they are not phosphates. How long has the tank been set up after your cleanig? What type of filteration are you using? Are you airating the water? You can buy phosphate pads at the LFS if you think that's your problem but I don't think that's it. Phosphates grow alge but that's about it as far as I know.

[glampka]

trex, how long have YOU had the tank set up? I agree with what Krazy is saying - with the new sand & all you are cycling the tank. What are the results of the tests you are running? As reefdaddy says, phosphates usually cause algae problems especially the red slime algae (cyano). We need some test numbers to help you further. What is you salinity as well?

[trex777]

well salinity i have never tested, not sure what you mean. as for the stuff i have a test kit for everything tests in what is suposed to be normal. all i want to know is what stuff should i be testing for. right now i am testing ph, nitrites, nitrates, aminium. what else is important to test i have mainly inverts and only 2 fish no coral yet. since the rebuild it has been up for 6 months. i have just treated it for a bacteria problem i was told i had which it did clean up the tank.

[reefdaddy725]

You need to test your salt level. How do you mix your water if you don't know what your salinity level is? Do you have a hydrometer? Better yet a Refractometer? You need one if you don't have one. Your salt level should be in the neighborhood of 1.020 - 1.025.

[trex777]

salt level when i mix the water i have that done so it is measured and it works great. my problem is should i be testing for like copper, phosphates, hardness, calcium, ect....

[trex777]

what is the difference between the hydrometer and the refractormeter?

[e_baer]

you NEED to test your alinity/specific gravity. and yes, you should test for copper and hardness and phosphates!

[trex777]

ok finally a real answer. is there anything else that would make my tank easier to maintain as far as testing would go. like i said in earlier posts i am testing for ph, nitrites, nitrates, aliuminum, and salt content during water changes. right now i am using tap water but am trying to find a new water source that will help get rid of my problems.

[e_baer]

distilled water and reverse osmosis water are about the same thing. you can poick up some at your local walmart for about .70$ a gallon. Yes, a little pricey in the long run, but its a short term solution until you get an R/O unit.

[trex777]

cool. thanks for the advice.