sps dying again

[jc]

I thought I had everything under control. I got my levels back to where they are supposed to be. The heavily damaged corals died but some only have brown tips now. Today I noticed another piece starting to lose flesh. Does this look familiar to anyone? My alk is 2.0 meq, which is low and calcium is 340. My alk keeps dipping low. I thought my calcium reactor was supposed to help with my levels but the stupid thing doesn't ever keep a steady drip. When I get the drip level where I want it the next day it comes to a complete stop. Could it be pressure related or is it just a bad diy design.
http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/3043/p1000582iq2.jpg
The first tee goes to the reactor, nothing, and phosban reactor. The phosban is the last in line and it seems to flow at a constant rate.
http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/5523/picture082rv1.jpg

[Bill S]

Like I said in another post, every time I try and "fix" something with my tank I make it worse...

I COULD BE WRONG HERE, but, I believe your Ca reactor will help your Ca levels, but as it puts out carbonic acid, it will lower your pH AND your alkalinity. Ace has told me I really need to dose kalk with my reactor running - so now I do, with my top off water. I really need to get him to put together a kalk reactor for me. You also have to be very careful about running your Ca reactor - most folks recommend that it be done with a pH monitor and switch.

In any case, this is what _I_ would do: I'd do what I did yesterday. A massive water change. I changed 110 gallons. It's cheaper than losing a single coral.

[TexasTodd]

Calcium reactors are actually even MORE alk reactors.

The most likely problem is you are getting micro bubbles in throught the water feed line to your reactor then a vapor lock.

You MUST have your pump feeding the CA reactor in an area that ZERO bubbles are. NONE. Surround it with sponges etc. if you have to but even the smallest micro bubbles will do it. Don't feed it with your main pump....use a dedicated MaxiJet1200.

It's also possible that your effluent edjustment valve is clogged up and needs to be cleaned with vinegar, but I'd bet on the above senerio.

CA reactors will drop your PH and the Kalk does help bring it back up.

Are your corals dying from the base up, or, tip down?

T

[Bill S]

Like I said, I might be wrong ;) Thanks for clearing it up, Todd.

My Ca is 500, but I've struggled recently with my Alk...

[TexasTodd]

How far off full strength Kalkwasser are you using? In all makeup water or just some?

What salt mix?

Todd

[jc]

I do run the reactor off of the main pump. I did this because I did not want to have another thing plugged in. I went ahead and ordered a GEO reactor yesterday. I use 2 teaspoons of kalk per gallon of r/o water in my top-off reservoir which is a 5 gallon container. I use about 1 gallon of top-off a day. The corals were just shedding skin all over. This time they are losing it in spots from tip to bottom. I don't notice any microbubbles coming into the tank from the main pump and I use a ball valve in between the pump and the reactor, turned down really low. Could this still cause vapor lock?
When I turn the knob on the effluent control just a tiny bit it immediately comes out at the right speed again. It almost seems like its clogged. Should I keep the Geo or maybe switch my DIY back to the maxijet? I have a small sump what if I put the maxi in a filter sock to keep the microbubbles away.

[TexasTodd]

For some reason reactors do TONS better when just fed with a small, high volume, low pressure pump like a MaxiJet. I'm all for cutting down on cords, but don't do it with your reactor.

I'd try with a MJ before you shell out the $$ on a new set up

On another note "spots" sounds like you could have a critter eating them.....l

Todd

[Texreefer]

I don't think anyone has mentioned this, but if you can't Keep your Alk levels in check you might want to test your Magnesium levels..Stable Alk depends on adequate levels of magnesium, i'm willing to bet they are well below 1200.. get it up to about 1400 and you will maintain much more stable alk and cal readings

[jc]

I will test the magnesium levels also. I already bought the geo reactor and its on the way. I think I'll stick with the geo and maybe sell the diy to someone that might want to give it a go. What is a good magnesium test kit? Perhaps one of my fish is picking on the coral. I will have to keep an closer eye on them. Thanks for the help everyone.

[Bill S]

JC,

I use the Salifert kit, CB usually has them, but when I was looking for one about 9 months ago, none were available.

Todd,

I don't want to hijack the thread. I've just started adding Kalk to my top off water. I run thru about 4 gallons a day. I'm going to see what Ace can put together for me... My Mg levels have always been fine, I've been supplementing weekly with Kent Mg.