Crustacean Deaths

dagnabit

New Member
Hi there, new to the forum and to saltwater. I'm having difficulty keeping crustacieans alive in our reef tank. Here are the details:
-36 gal, set up for two months
-pH 8.2
-temp 78-80
-calcium 450
-0 ammonia, 0 nitrate, 0 nitrite
-sg 1.024
-healthy happy inhabitants: clown, chromis, damsel, blenny, cardinal, pincusion urchin, serpent star, several "beginner" corals.
-4 gallon weekly water changes
-town water
Everything is doing well; eating, growing, active, etc. The only thing I add to the water is Reef Solutions supplement to boost iodine and trace minerals.
Problem: we've lost two banded coral shrimp on two separate occasions (both were acclimated slowly). They lasted 2-3 days, then upsidedown on the bottomsville. We've also lost three emerald crabs, although they lasted a little longer (4-6 days), and we've lost half a dozen hermit crabs (some have lasted two weeks). They all go in gang-busters, then go somewhat dormant, then die. There is no one preying on them, they just become gradually inactive and die.
I've eliminated every variable I can get information about, and the problem persists.
Any folks out there have any leads on what I should try next? I'm at a complete loss as to what to try, or what to target as possible causes. Totally new at this and I'm learning a lot pretty quickly, but clearly there is something about crustaceans that i'm overlooking.
Thanks VERY much for any assistance.
 

tangs123

Member
if you dont, try running carbon in your tank for a few days to help get rid of some heavy metals or other things that may be hurting your crustaceans
 
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