My Live Rock Might Be Dead

futurecanadian

futurecanadian

AC Members
Mar 10, 2007
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Cleveland, OH
A few weeks ago we had a wicked winter storm blow through and knock out a few of the powerlines in my area. None the less, my home was without power for about 14 hours. My aquariums temperature struck as low as 76 degrees. Since the event, I have not noticed my usual little feather dusters and such hanging about the rock. I am thiking that perhaps my LR and the tiny critters that live on it are long gone... Also today, when testing the water I found my ammonia level to be at about 5ppm. This is the first time in months that it has been above zero. I did a partial water change and a filter cleaning and am hoping this will bring it all back to normal. Could the dying of the LR and such have caused the ammonia spike?

P.S. I have also gotten rid of all of my fish as of 1 week ago and just have inverts left. Not sure if that would change the water params or not. I will be getting new fish soon.

I will await your answers. Thanks.
 
I don't think you tank falling to 76 would have caused anything to die off personally I am more concerned that you have an ammonia reading. I am assuming this is in your 75 gallon. Have you seen both of your turbos?

Have you checked your water supply at where ever its coming out? (Either RO/DI or Tap)?? How old is your test kit? Are you getting high readings on your nitrates over what they normally are? Are you doing anything for nutrient export that might not cause you to see an increase in your nitrates?

I'm trying to understand your setup.
 
OKAY I am an idiot... I meant 66 degrees... The turbos are still rocking strong. I have not seen my Emerald crab in months though. I did also have 3 of my fish die in the past month... thanks to two nasty damsels. My test kit is just shy of 1 year old and the water is Tap. My other SW tank has the same water and is fine. My nitrates and Nitrites are both at 0 and my PH is holding out at 8.0 -8.2 OH an yes these readings are in my 75G.
 
Still as long as it didn't come out of the water I think it should be ok.. It is on the cold side but I would be more worried about corals and fish than bacteria at that temp. Honestly I think it could be your test kit being old and would have your readings verified before going any further.
 
Thank you. I will have my water tested tonight at my LFS... PS I also did just score a cute pink tip anenome... so excited. I cant wait to watch him enter his new home.

OH and I was missing a peppermint snail as of my count down today.
 
Your welcome... :)
The snail missing could be due to the high ammonia if it is accurate. I would have whoever you scored the 'nem from until you get your parameters verified or under control. 'nems are very touchy.
 
66 is pretty low, and 14 hours is a long time in cool, stagnant water, that could have killed off some of the surface critters on the rock (and other inhabitants of the tank for that matter) which could contribute to your ammonia spike - but it shouldnt phase the stuff in those deep nooks and crannies of the rock that carry out nitrification. If the tank had been fine before and your water source is ok give them a little time and they will recolonize the entire rock.
 
Thanks. The anemone is doing great and my params are all on target. I had it tested at the LFS I am thinking about adding 3 Bangaiis Cardinals soon. I am pretty sure they will be awesome. I also am hoping to one day score a blue morph tang at a great price... doubtful around here though. Dont worry I promise to add them slowly...
 
very cool fc.. Glad to see that the tank has recovered.
 
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