RTN - should I change bulbs now?

[SherryQ]

My 72 tank has been going to heck this summer. I've had many corals RTN and die . I attributed to a heat spike I had in May and then old cartridges in my RO/DI unit that was producing water with a TDS or around 70 - I don't know for how long (I don't normally test it constantly). I also think there is bacteria at play, for I have gotten two nasty hand infections this summer from the tank. I now swear that I will always wear gloves. This past weekend I noticed another milli RTNing. Algae of all types have also invaded the tank. My question is - Is it a safe time to change my MH and VHO bulbs? Or will it just add to the stress the corals are under? The bulbs are about 10 months old.

Thank you very much for any advice. This tank has really gotten me down this summer.

frustrated reefer,
Sherry

 

[KAS]

Hmmmm.... I don't really know what to say... have you checked calc/alk levels... A-OK? If so, I think I would stablize the tank before changing another factor (the lights). They are only 10 months old... ready to be changed but not horrible by any means.

 

[Liam]

sorry to hear ,sounds like you should check all parameters and see if anything sticks out.
-Liam.

 

[SherryQ]

The parameters when last I checked were all good. I need to check the alk & calc again. The other factor was that I found that 2 of my powerheads had died sometime over the summer and I didn't notice. Unfortunately do to work and such my tanks were not getting a lot of attention. Now my tanks look awful and I feel like giving up on them. I'm feeling really discouraged about the whole fish hobby right now. Any words of encouragement and reasons why I shouldn't give up would be appreciated...

Karen - long time no see. Are you going to MACNA?

 

[starrfish]

Sherry - your tanks are too beautiful to give up on! What will those cute little puffers do?? And that beautiful softy tank? And let's not forget those tiny little sexy shrimp! It will just take a little TLC to get them back into tip top shape.

 

[Pat H.]

Sherry, I agree with starrfish. I really enjoyed seeing your tanks on the Spring Tank Tour!! You definately inspired me. Sometimes life has a way of getting in the way of the fun things, I know that too well lately. Don't get discouraged. Your tanks will bounce right back. Just a suggestion, when I found my tanks overwelming I consolidated into a larger system. I think it makes maintenance easier. I'd rather do one large water change than 4 or 5 small ones. Don't give up, you really have the touch with reefs!

 

[NateHanson]

Absolutely Sherry, don't give up, you'll recover soon, and fall in love with it all over again.

I wouldn't change your bulbs though. It sounds to me as though a few too many minor problems have added up this summer, between the decreased flow, heat problem, RODI quality, and subsequent algae. Is your skimmer running properly? Are you running some carbon?

I'd make sure your water parameters are good, and then start doing moderate water changes every week, to help get things back on track.

 

[SherryQ]

Thanks for all the kind words and for the advice. I've been trying to get back on a regular water change schedule. Maybe now that summer is ending all have more time (after MACNA).

 

[Paula]

Oh Sherry, I am so sorry to hear that things have been difficult with the tank. I figured that something was up - you have been too quiet for too long. Many of us have had "tank issues" in hte past few months. Don't give up .. .you love the hobby too much to give up now . ..
Take a deep breath and enjoy MACNA. When you get back, we'll help you try to get back on track. OK?

 

[delta]

Thanks for all the kind words and for the advice. I've been trying to get back on a regular water change schedule. Maybe now that summer is ending all have more time (after MACNA).

Macna will probably recharge you anyway

 

[Chuck Spyropulos]

Changing bulbs could make things worse for corals that are already stressed out. I had an RTN outbreak a few years back and this is what I did:

Daily or weekly small water changes
Ensure Alk and Ca are at correct and balanced levels
Decrease lighting period or intensity to give corals chance to recover
Increase water motion in your display tank
Clean your skimmer every 2-3 days to keep it in top operating condition and
make sure it is producing skimmate daily
Ensure pH is above 8.0 (8.1 to 8.4 is good)
Run carbon regularly (weekly to monthly)
Make sure you avoid temperature spikes and keep temp at 79 to 80 degrees

Hope some of these suggestion help. Good luck!

 

[KAS]

Have fun at MACNA Sherry! I agree that it will probably give you a new perspective and get you really psyched to get your tank back on track. I like Paula's suggestion... when you get back, let's put out heads together and get your tank back on track.

As an aside, I lost several colonies a month or 2 ago and I finally figured out it was my calc level. I have run for years with low calc but when I raised it with b-Ionic to the 450 range, things stablized. Now that I have the level up, my new calc reactor seems to be able to maintain the level. This is a first for me. It could be something as simple as that.

 

[SherryQ]

Thank you so much everyone ... all your kind words and thoughts are really helping. I've been really out of touch with the club lately (work and such) that I was beginning to feel alone in my loss and frustration.