HELP, fish dropping like flies

[redbora]

my alk is usual 1.025-1.026
i agree with your observations in that it's a problem with the gas exchange at night, but how would i fix that though, i mean would just a powerhead aimed to break the surface be all that is needed??
i honestly don't want to even try that air stone experiment and turn off the lights till i know whats going on, cause as of right now, i don't turn off the lights in fear
and how would i contorl the velvettie algee, nothing seems to eat it??
you guys are a great help so far in getting this problem solved, thanks

 

[ophiura]

What you gave was specific gravity, not alkalinity.
Your algae is not an issue per se, it is more likely gas exchange. You definitely need at least surface aggitation. Aim whatever return you have or powerheads toward the surface so that they break the surface.
In terms of algae control, that comes down to clean up crews and things like water quality (what are your nitrates?). But it is not causing the fish death specifically because it is there.

 

[redbora]

oo, oops, i'll have to get back on you with that, i don't have a test for alk
i already aimed the return from my can filter at the surface, the surface water moves faster now, but i don't know if it's suffcient
my clean up crew doesn't seem to want to eat it, my rates were 2.5 two days ago, i haven't had a chance to test them yet, i'll probbaly have time tonight, they were zero before this all started to happen

 

[ophiura]

I noticed that you are willing to go for $200 on the skimmer. That's a good amount to have handy for it. I would either search for threads on skimmers or start a new one, letting people know that is your price range.

 

[redbora]

yea, that's about the max, do you have any recommendations??
and any other imput on my current situation, i ask cause it seems like your well imformed on this hobby
thanks for the help ophiura

 

[ophiura]

Definitely get an alk reading - the LFS should be able to do it, and while your there just have them double check everything for you. Never hurts.
My first course of action though would be to work on getting circulation/surface aggitation....
Its not the definite cause I guess, but it seems like the most obvious thing at this point.

 

[redbora]

ok i'll try to get a reading if not tonight tomorrow night, what kind of reading am i looking for

 

[ophiura]

YOu can probably use the search function and go for "best protein skimmer" or something similar Or you can just post one yourself. You will probably get lots of opinions!! :yes:

 

[redbora]

i was talking about alk when i meant what readings i'm suppose to have or see
as for the skimmer i already made a post

 

[ophiura]

Oops...
Alkalinity depends on the different units...some tests measure differently and it can be confusing all in all. But roughly 3 - 6 meq/l or something like 150 to 300 ppm.
If you have the option, it wouldn't hurt to know a calcium reading either. pH, calcium and alkalinity are all related.

 

[redbora]

ok thanks, i'll invest in those too

 

[pelena]

If you are still scared and not sure that the dissolved oxygen is the problem, why don't you pick up an oxygen (02) test kit from your LFS. You could test...
1) in the day with lights on (high light)
2) night with lights on (or lower light)
3) lights off for a few hours. (no light)
That would at least give you different scenarios for 02 content. Remember though, your problem is when the lights are off so you must test this scenario.
While you are getting a test kit pick up a 10gal($10) tank to put the fish in for the duration of the experiment, add an airstone for them though. When your done, you'll have a QT or Hospital tank for later.

 

[redbora]

thanks for the good idea, i'll test that out

 

[dragonfli]

wow pelena all growed up and knowledgable. im so proud now you can teach me all sorts of stuff.

that is awesome advice though. i concure.

 

[pelena]

I guess all the science labs and experiments actually taught me something about the scientific process.

man, I really am a dork

 

[dragonfli]

YUP i bet you are the kind that sneaks up to your tank at night (contrary to the advice from the better half) turns on a flashlight and goes oooohhhhh aaaahhhh. ha ha haha