Last Ditch Effort to save tank - Help me with my plan

[Bill S]

OK, I've been thinking about what to do. No, the snails really didn't help - they mow it down, but then my filter sock became full of fragments of bryopsis, and it just spreads around the tank even more. So, this is what I'm thinking. PLEASE give me your thoughts:

Take the fuge off line, remove all macro (dump unless SURE it has no bryopsis). Add a powerhead and heater for circulation. Turn out lights on fuge.

Remove everything from sump except: Replace 1800gph return with 2400gph. Clean, reinstall skimmer. Make sure I have enough clean filter socks for the next part.

Remove corals to keep. Remove them from mounts/bases, remove all bryopsis from coral – or throw it away. Dip/rinse corals in a series of buckets of clean tank water. Place coral in tub & buckets to hold for 2 days, with heat and powerheads.

Remove all rock from tank. Siphon all sand from tank. Remove powerheads. Clean any possible bryopsis from overflow and drains. Fish & cleanup stay in the tank. Urchins need to be removed and cleaned of bryopsis.

Clean powerheads and plumbing fixtures in boiling vinegar, then boiling anhydrous bicarb, then freeze. I want to shock the heck out of what is left. Return them to the tank.

Freeze rock to 0 degrees, then dump in fresh water, place on deck. Then dry completely in sun (uv)

Sand… Freeze? Put in fresh water, then dry in sun.

Hook UV back into closed loop.

Place all stony corals to keep on a large piece of eggcrate, back in tank. Softies to into the 55, ONLY if 100% sure they are bryopsis free.

Return the skimmer to the tank. Filter for 2 days, changing filter sock regularly.

Once the tank is clear, with no signs of bryopsis, add live rock from 55 to the sump, for biofiltration. Make SURE sump remains dark.

Run tank bare bottomed, no rock in display, for several weeks, monitoring for bryopsis. Fuge will be kept offline.

[Gseclipse02]

wow sounds like you have a lot ahead of you .... if you need some cheap powerheads let me know i have like 3-4 nothing HQ but it might help for what ur doing

[fishypets]

I would add new substrate to the tank instead of freezing and baking yours.

[jrsatx20]

ive got a 55 with stand u can borrow. hopefully will have it empty by this weekend

[BIGBIRD123]

Bill
I have several Koralia #4's if you need that are bryopsis-free and you're welcome to anything I have.

Steve

[CoryDude]

I would add new substrate to the tank instead of freezing and baking yours.

I was wondering the same thing also. Either way, I've being following up on your situation. My hat's off to you for staying in it for so long and fighting this. Had a bryopsis outbreak about 8 years ago and it made me get out of the hobby for a few years.

[Kristy]

Hey Bill, we have a spare pump and an extra power head available for use if you need them. Can also offer macro algae when your fuge needs to be replenished. If it helps holding tank wise, we have 2 blue tote tubs with lids, about 30 gallons each. You can borrow any of this for as long as you need.

Let us know if you need any actual help with manual labor, we can pitch in a few hours any weekend, just let us know. - Mike & Kristy

[DrMark]

Bill,
That is one heck of a plan.
I agree with just starting with new substrate. Not worth the time and effort to go through that with the old.

On a side not, you were right when you were at my house......that small patch is bryopsis. It is still isolated to that spot.

Today i got a dozen of Bryopsis - Eating Nudibranch - Tridachia crispata
along with a couple of other things from Liveaquaria. Put them in the tank today. Better chance getting on top of it while small.

Good luck.

Mark

[Bill S]

Thanks for the offers.

Substrate will NOT go back into the tank - for now. I may decide to add later, or I may just go barebottomed. For now, it will be bare.

I think I'm ok on powerheads/pumps. Might could use a couple of submersible heaters. And, Kristi, may take you up on totes.

[Mr Cob]

Way to go Bill! Prayers sent your way!

[thedude]

Bill,

Why would you increase the return pump? We run sumps at 4-5xtank volume so that the skimmer and filtration actually has a chance at getting the nutrients out. Also helps your filter socks work longer, less noise, and less heat.

What temperature is your tank running at? A lower temperature will help cut the algae growth as well.

Just my experience but the only thing I've ever gotten to truly kill Bryopsis was the product AZ-NO3 (killed the bryopsis, corals were not too happy) and the System Reefresh method by Polyplabs. When Brian's (Greenmako) tank started with bryopsis I recommended the reefresh to him and it cut it back to almost nothing and as a plus helps to color up your coral.

John

[Bill S]

John,

Reason for the other pump is 1) I have it and 2) to speed up the mechanical filtration process. Less noise and heat, yes. But it's only temporary.

Tank is kept around 77-78 with a 2/3 hp chiller. My understanding is that Brian is still fighting bryopsis...

[coraline79]

I have a suggestion that has worked for me. I know you probably have tried it but here it is. I removed the wost pieces and bioled them, and then I lowered the temperature gradually over a month to 72 degrees. Nothing seems to mind but I am hving to remove the dead/dying bryopsis everyday from my powerhead. The stuff that is still on the rock is lighter in color, and when I pul it out, it leaves "bald spots". Working for me-gonna keep with it.

[Kristy]

For inspiration...

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2008-07/nftt/index.php

http://www.melevsreef.com/gha.html

These are a couple of good articles on Green Hair Algae that I bookmarked. I know that briopsis is GHA on steroids and a different critter, but some of their points are general strategies on eliminating / preventing the return of nuisance algaes that I think might be good reading at this point in your attack.

The totes are just stacked in the garage and ready when you are...

[SABOB]

I wish you luck with this endeavor.Keep us posted with what seems to work or not work.

[txav8r]

I think I have a few heaters that you can use. I'll try to dig them out and see how big they are. I think they are small though. I'd be glad to lend a helping hand on the weekend if you need it.

[Jeff]

if you need some help this weekend, i'll come by.

[RayAllen]

Kuddos for not just throwing in the white towel.

[brewercm]

I think I have a couple of maxijet mods laying around that I won't be using for a bit if that will help with flow. Let me know if you end up needing any help in the process also, not sure of our plans for weekends etc. but if available will definitely help you out.

[sharkboy]

good luck!

[profntbtr]

i have so much aquarium stuff that i am physically sickened by it, so i've got plenty to lend. short list is 4 skimmers, 3 chillers, a plethora of pumps (seriously too many to count), an ozone generator/controller, 2 250w mh pendants, 6 other light fixtures, a homemade ato, and the list goes on. That is only what is not in use right now. oh yeah, and i'd be more than willing to assist you in any way i can, including manual labor *gasp*

[Bill S]

Thanks for all of the offers/thoughts.

Tentatively, my plan is to stage everything on Saturday, including making 100 gallons of sw. Then, on Sunday, I'll start pulling everything apart. As it gets closer, I'll let folks know if I need some help.

[Kristy]

Bill,

As far as heaters go, we have at least 1 that works and maybe several more in the garage that probably work, but need to be tested. Just let us know... Mike

I just spent 30 minutes picking hair algae and bryopsis off of a small 5 inch branch with some zoos, and have a whole new level of sympathy for your situation... Kristy

[SoLiD]

OK, I'm a little late but.... First I'd make Nice Sized Frags of my favorite corals to be held by another Trusted Reefer or Reef Shop just in case something goes wrong with your external setup and your SPS corals RTN. Then I'd proceed with you present course of action. :)

-David

[Bill S]

Well, yesterday I got most everything prepped. I have about 80 gallons of new water made, all the "stuff" has been removed (Ca reactor, etc), skimmer is clean, fuge has no macro in it, etc.

First corals are coming out in 5 minutes...

[Jeff]

fingers are crossed for you bill.

[princer7]

Cannot wait to hear the results. Hope everything goes smoothly for you. :)

[LoneStar]

Freeze rock to 0 degrees, then dump in fresh water, place on deck. Then dry completely in sun (uv)

Hey Bill, just ship your rock up to me, I'll take care of it. Its only 5 out right now with lots of sun. Two birds, one stone! I'll send it back to you once its been through frozen hell and back haha

[ErikH]

Glad to see your level of dedication. Thanks for doing it, your tank is a marvel for the rest of us. :)

[mikedelgado]

Sounds like a good plan. best of luck.

[bimmerzs]

:hypnotyized:....Thats a serious plan, I'm guessing you were not successful with your bryopsis fight. A lot of folk's were able to rid their tank's of this scurge by raising the Mg levels to 1600-1700ppm range with Kent's Tech-M. For some reason using Tech-M is the only method that work, raising magnesium any other way does not have the same effect. It is believed that there is an impurity in the kent brand that is actually doing it. Just a thought but you have probably tried that method. :):applause:

Cheers,

[Bill S]

Yeah, Ron, had it over 1800 for 2 weeks. There are different species of byropsis...

Well, I'm done for tonight. I have work-work to do, and a busy day tomorrow.

I've got all the corals in tubs except the paletta lovelli. He BARE fit into a salt bucket. Actually, broke a couple of tips...

I don't have all the sand out of the tank - the plan was to siphon it out, but really didn't work out. The tank was just too stirred up. I'm going to net it out tomorrow, and make another big mess.

So far, the only semi-casualty is my powder blue. With nothing in the tank the Sohol went after him. I moved him upstairs. Hopefully he'll be ok...

Anybody want a rabbitfish?

[Bill S]

Oh, yeah. Lots of frags will soon be available! LOL...

[SoLiD]

I'm hope all goes well, Bill.

-David

BTW: Are you still making trips to Corpus Christi? I know it's been colder as of late, but I was wondering.

[Gseclipse02]

Anybody want a rabbitfish?


ill take him :) if its free its me that's my motto lol

[Gseclipse02]

I don't have all the sand out of the tank - the plan was to siphon it out, but really didn't work out. The tank was just too stirred up. I'm going to net it out tomorrow, and make another big mess.

?


the easiest way i have found is to buy a dust pan ( a large one) and scoop away

[Bill S]

David,

Yes, we still go to Corpus Christi. Did you see our lights for the Boat Parade? It was... well, over the top.

We will be down for New Years.

[SoLiD]

David,

Yes, we still go to Corpus Christi. Did you see our lights for the Boat Parade? It was... well, over the top.

We will be down for New Years.

Actually yes we did (The Family & I). My oldest daughter pointed them out to me as we drove by. Just as I was wondering which ones she was pointing at I noticed one of them was yours. Putting lights up around water... You are brave. They looked nice though. :thumbs_up:

-David

[Bill S]

Putting up lights around water is NOTHING compared to plugging in heaters/pumps while standing on salt water wet plastic...

OK, so the status. Tank looks clear - no floating bryopsis hairs. However, I still have rubble and sand to remove. Won't get to it until after lunch. Got a customer to keep happy.

I'm hoping that by this evening, I'll be able to put the corals back in - but it will probably be tomorrow. I'm having to change water in their containers, and move heaters around. UGH!

Interestingly, those without pumps in them are doing better (water staying clearer) than those with pumps. So, I've removed the pumps.

I need to take some photos...

[SoLiD]

An air stone might be better than a pump if you have a lot of debris in there. Pumps will just kick up all the muck and slime on the bottom.

-David

[Bill S]

Well, things are not looking good. I'm guessing that most or all of my SPS is gone. I took some pix, and hooked up the Hiatt torpedo. We'll see how that goes. I may end up keeping that running anyway.

I'm going to hang in there for a bit with the equipment. But, I'm thinking I'll be going VHO from here (I have one set of actinics), and dumping my halides, Ca reactor and Kalk reactor. Not sure, we'll see...

Been a very rough few days. On top of all of this, had to go to the Dr. today for a cut on my finger. Even wearing gloves, I got a nick that got inffected. Turned my finger RED. Be careful, folks.

[Texreefer]

Very sorry to hear Bill... I Feel your pain! I got a deep gash on my finger when I removed everything and it was really bad.. I had to superglue it together.. anyway, let me know if I can help.. i'm dealing with an sps issue right now as well so we may all be spsless soon

[SoLiD]

Oh No, Bill! I hope all works out.

[Bill S]

Well, last night I thought my Imperator/Emporer was going to be gone. Laying down... This morning, up and swimming around! May have been o2 problems, as I'd hooked the Hiatt up and it's an O2 user. I also had the skimmer off, as that's recommended. Turned it back on. Also did a 50 gallon water change... Ugh!

[envy]

hope all goes well for you bill.

[brewercm]

Sounds like a lot of us have been busy as of late. You are working on yours, went by Aces last night and he's got his changes going on, I'm almost done plumbing my new one up, and Steve is putting his new setup together. I thought this was supposed to be a quiet and peaceful time of year.

If you need anything and I'm around give me a yell, just around the corner.

[Bill S]

Thanks - I THINK things are improving. But, it will be a lengthy process, I think...

[Texreefer]

For what its worth Bill,. The little patch I had is gone. I removed some manually and then just now I was watching my Desjardini pick off what was left:thumbs_up:

[Kristy]

Hey Bill -

How goes it? Any updates?

[Bill S]

Well, it's still kind of "ugly".

The fish all survived, except 1 clown. Have no idea where it went. The powder blue is doing fine upstairs in my 55

The tank is clear - the Hiatt really, really did the trick. Saved my tank, for sure. My skimmer output - which was about a gallon every 6 hours - is back down to almost nothing.

SPS survivors are few... Not sure what, if any will make it - all are just plain brown, except the pavona and that bright neon green piece I got from Felipe. They are OK.

LPS - chalace is toast. Hammer/frogspawn/torch is fine - wouldn't you know it, since I have plenty upstairs! Plate seems like he might make it.

Lost all but one of my RBTAs in the tank. Have another RBTA upstairs.

Now the really bad news: I still have tiny strands of bryopsis in the tank. They stick to everything. So, for now, there's no rock in the tank. The Hiatt is handling the filtration just fine - nitrates are lower than they've been in 2 years. The corals are all on eggcrate, which seems to attract the bryopsis. We'll see...

I dumped most of my palys, stars and shrooms. I tried to keep a bunch of each type, but they didn't keep well. We'll see. Just no way to save them.

So, for now, it's wait and see. See what manages to pull through.

The rock is still out on the deck. On Sunday, I took a high pressure hose to it. I swear, after one week in the sun/cold on the deck, the bryopsis is still alive. Seriously.

[Mr Cob]

Man, that stuff is no joke!!! Reminds me of the dude from the Terminator that just wouldn't die.

[jpond83]

what is bryopsis

[SoLiD]

Google It (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=bryopsis&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=iw)
It's not good!

[joelb]

yes!!, 6 pages and 20 minutes later i realize that its 2:18 am on new years day and i am reading about bryopsis. (sorry bill)
if bryopsis is a form of plant and plants grow with light and are fertilized by dead fish, pods etc. as a preventative measure wouldn't it be effective to
1. cut back light a little
2. increase skimming
3. bigger water changes more often (at least until the problem is solved)
4. dose live phyto or something that feeds off tiny dead micro things in the tank.
5. give joelb all you liverock and sand

well that fifth one doesn't really apply....i just thought it had a nice ring to it,, and it is a new year :)

good luck