coral and tank problems

[Robin Alv]

Okay -- I've got my first real problem. I did a partial change (just under 15%) using RO water. Checked the salinity, temperature and ph before putting it in. All parameters are good - amm. and nitrites and nitrates are at zero.

My skimmer started doing the micro bubble thing after being turned off while changing the water. Now my corals (next morning already) have closed up. Last night my zoes were half open and looked a bit whitish.

Anything I've done wrong?????

 

[clown-lover]

Acutally microbubbles while they won't hurt a display tank with just fish will irritate quite a few corals. Did you test your tank the next morning just to make sure something hasn't died in the tank and is causing an ammonia problem or other issue?

 

[Robin Alv]

Yes. I checked it this morning. The parameters I gave were the ones from this morning. All seems alive.

 

[Reefscape]

Its possible they were just a bit annoyed at the water change....Just keep a close eye on them....

 

[Robin Alv]

Okay Thanks. I'll keep an eye on them - If they die can they create havoc in my tank? I will be away from it overnight.

 

[ram303]

They should be ok till u get back mate

 

[Robin Alv]

I'm backa nd they aren't looking too good. I'll wait a few more days since my parameters are good and the fish, snails and shrimp look good. I came in and saw a small light colored worm crawling in the sand. It hid as the lights went on. Is this a good thing?? More life?? A good sign or do I have a problem on my hands?

37 gallon
2 clowns
1 firefish
5 snails
1 blood shrimp
skimmer and canister filter
2 koralia jet blowers

 

[Grins]

I doubt the worm is an issue at all. If you're still getting bubbles I'd agree with Clown the corals are most likely just irritated although them turning white isn't typically a sign of the irritation.

How long have you had an issue with the skimmer bubbling and have there been any chemicals used near the tank recently? Things like bug spray, hair spray, household cleaners, or something nearby being painted?

 

[Robin Alv]

I've had the bubbles since I had to turn my skimmer off during a water change on Thursday evening. No chemicals have been near the tank. If it is just irritation, how long does it last usually? Also, the bubbles are still there. Should I just ignore them for awhile? No changes in the iar pump (higher or lower) seems to affect the bubbles.

 

[Grins]

Have you shared what kind of skimmer it is in the hopes that someone with the same model can provide advice on how to reduce them if not get rid of them?

As far as irritation, my pagoda cup is the first to express agitation on any nominal change, it is typically fine in a few hours.