Shrimp keep dying??

[Susan]

I hope someone out there can give me an idea what's going on in my tank. I
have a 29 gallon reef/fish tank with approx.15-20 lbs live rock. It's been
set up for about 10 months. After I had it set up I bought a pepperment
shrimp who got big and was thriving. I found him dead recently in my tank
with no apparent injury. I rubbed it off that he was old. I since had
purchased 2 cleaner shrimps at different times and lost both of them within
a week after buying each of them. Again no apparent injury. Salinity is 24,
PH 8.0, no nitrites or ammonia. Nitrates around 60.(It's always been around
this point since setting it up) I added a few corals to the tank a month or
so ago. I have a damsel, 2 clown fish, clown goby, 2 crabs and a turbo
snail that have lived in the tank a long time and doing well. The guy at
the pet store thought maybe it was a mantis shrimp killing them. I haven't
seen any in my tank and assume they would eat the shrimp if they did kill
them?? Anybody have any ideas what is killing off the shrimps?

Thanks--Susan

[[email protected]]

I can't guarantee that nitrates are the problem here but one of my books
suggest that nitrates should be below 10 ppm for cleaner shrimp.

Certainly if you intend to keep a few soft corals, you need to get the
nitrates down below 10 ppm and much lower for more sensitive species. I
don't know what filtration you have other than the live rock but I would
suggest adding another 10 to 20 of lbs of fully cured (and quarantined) live
rock and when it has settled remove any canister, trickle or wet/dry filters
you may have gradually (if you have one, keep the canister for
carbon/phosphate filters but remove the biological filters and sponges). You
need to make sure that you have enough water flow over the rock (minimum 150
gallons per hour for your size tank and preferably 300 galls per hour).

I hope it helps.

Mark

[CheezWiz]

IMO,

Your nitrates are too high. Also, you need to test for copper.
If you have copper, use a SeaChem cuprisorb bag to get rid of it. It can be
regenerated and used indefinitely if necessary.

CW

"Susan" > wrote in message
...
>I hope someone out there can give me an idea what's going on in my tank. I
>have a 29 gallon reef/fish tank with approx.15-20 lbs live rock. It's been
>set up for about 10 months. After I had it set up I bought a pepperment
>shrimp who got big and was thriving. I found him dead recently in my tank
>with no apparent injury. I rubbed it off that he was old. I since had
>purchased 2 cleaner shrimps at different times and lost both of them within
>a week after buying each of them. Again no apparent injury. Salinity is 24,
>PH 8.0, no nitrites or ammonia. Nitrates around 60.(It's always been
>around this point since setting it up) I added a few corals to the tank a
>month or so ago. I have a damsel, 2 clown fish, clown goby, 2 crabs and a
>turbo snail that have lived in the tank a long time and doing well. The
>guy at the pet store thought maybe it was a mantis shrimp killing them. I
>haven't seen any in my tank and assume they would eat the shrimp if they
>did kill them?? Anybody have any ideas what is killing off the shrimps?
>
> Thanks--Susan
>

[Susan]

Thanks guys for the help. I actually did buy more live rock today. I
currently am running a Fluval 204 canister filter. I added a new poly pad
also in hopes it will help lower nitrates and take out any metals and I
changed some water in the tank. I'll wait a bit and check the nitrates
again. Is it a possibility that I may have a mantis shrimp that could be
killing off my shrimp?

Thanks--Susan :)
"CheezWiz" > wrote in message
...
> IMO,
>
> Your nitrates are too high. Also, you need to test for copper.
> If you have copper, use a SeaChem cuprisorb bag to get rid of it. It can
> be regenerated and used indefinitely if necessary.
>
> CW
>
> "Susan" > wrote in message
> ...
>>I hope someone out there can give me an idea what's going on in my tank.
>>I have a 29 gallon reef/fish tank with approx.15-20 lbs live rock. It's
>>been set up for about 10 months. After I had it set up I bought a
>>pepperment shrimp who got big and was thriving. I found him dead recently
>>in my tank with no apparent injury. I rubbed it off that he was old. I
>>since had purchased 2 cleaner shrimps at different times and lost both of
>>them within a week after buying each of them. Again no apparent injury.
>>Salinity is 24, PH 8.0, no nitrites or ammonia. Nitrates around 60.(It's
>>always been around this point since setting it up) I added a few corals
>>to the tank a month or so ago. I have a damsel, 2 clown fish, clown goby,
>>2 crabs and a turbo snail that have lived in the tank a long time and
>>doing well. The guy at the pet store thought maybe it was a mantis shrimp
>>killing them. I haven't seen any in my tank and assume they would eat the
>>shrimp if they did kill them?? Anybody have any ideas what is killing off
>>the shrimps?
>>
>> Thanks--Susan
>>
>
>

[Billy]

"Susan" > wrote in message
. ..
> Thanks guys for the help. I actually did buy more live rock today.
> I currently am running a Fluval 204 canister filter. I added a new
> poly pad also in hopes it will help lower nitrates and take out any
> metals and I changed some water in the tank. I'll wait a bit and
> check the nitrates again. Is it a possibility that I may have a
> mantis shrimp that could be killing off my shrimp?


I would agree with the others, the nitrates are high, and may be
contributing to the short life of your shrimp. If there was a mantis,
you'd be able to tell. A cleaner shrimp done in by a mantis would
most likely be in more than one piece when he was done with it. <g>
The canister may be contributing to your high nitrates. The
bacteria on the polypads are great for converting ammonia to
nitrites, and nitrites to nitrate, but that's where it ends. Only
water changes, Live Rock, a DSB, algae scrubber or something on those
lines can do the rest. I'd go with Mark's suggestion to add the FULLY
CURED LR to your tank, (don't believe advertisments that say 'fully
cured', cure it yourself, trust me on this.) and lose the canister
very soon after that. I wouldn't try adding any livestock until you
make whatever changes needed to get those nitrates down. It would be
fine in a fish-only tank, but not in what you're striving for. Please
let us know if you need any assistance, or have any other questions!

billy

[Susan]

Thanks for all the help :) (You guys are great!!) I have my live rock curing
seperate from the tank right now. As soon as it's done curing I'll add it
in. After this do I just run the cansiter filter with only charcoal?

Thanks-Susan
"Billy" > wrote in message
...
>
>
>
> "Susan" > wrote in message
> . ..
>> Thanks guys for the help. I actually did buy more live rock today. I
>> currently am running a Fluval 204 canister filter. I added a new poly
>> pad also in hopes it will help lower nitrates and take out any metals and
>> I changed some water in the tank. I'll wait a bit and check the nitrates
>> again. Is it a possibility that I may have a mantis shrimp that could be
>> killing off my shrimp?
>
>
> I would agree with the others, the nitrates are high, and may be
> contributing to the short life of your shrimp. If there was a mantis,
> you'd be able to tell. A cleaner shrimp done in by a mantis would most
> likely be in more than one piece when he was done with it. <g>
> The canister may be contributing to your high nitrates. The bacteria on
> the polypads are great for converting ammonia to nitrites, and nitrites to
> nitrate, but that's where it ends. Only water changes, Live Rock, a DSB,
> algae scrubber or something on those lines can do the rest. I'd go with
> Mark's suggestion to add the FULLY CURED LR to your tank, (don't believe
> advertisments that say 'fully cured', cure it yourself, trust me on this.)
> and lose the canister very soon after that. I wouldn't try adding any
> livestock until you make whatever changes needed to get those nitrates
> down. It would be fine in a fish-only tank, but not in what you're
> striving for. Please let us know if you need any assistance, or have any
> other questions!
>
> billy
>

[Billy]

"Susan" > wrote in message
.. .
> Thanks for all the help :) (You guys are great!!) I have my live
> rock curing seperate from the tank right now. As soon as it's done
> curing I'll add it in. After this do I just run the cansiter
> filter with only charcoal?


Sounds great!! I'd wait a couple days after adding the rock to remove
the biological media from the fluval. Going slow is best, and one
major change at a time is enough in my book. You can run charcoal if
you desire, (many reefers do not, except at need) the canister, minus
the pads, is also good for water movement. You may one day move to a
couple powerheads placed to direct waterflow where it's needed most.


billy

[Boomer]

Susan if your salinity is 24 ppt that is why your shrimp are dead. It should be more like
34 ppt not 24 ppt. Shrimp molt and a salinity that low will mess up their osmoregualtion
big time.

--
Boomer

Want to talk chemistry ? The Reef Chemistry Forum
http://www.reefcentral.com/vbulletin/index.php


Former US Army Bomb Technician (EOD)
Member; IABTI, NATEODA, WEODF, ISEE & IPS

If You See Me Running You Better Catch-Up


"Susan" > wrote in message
...
:I hope someone out there can give me an idea what's going on in my tank. I
: have a 29 gallon reef/fish tank with approx.15-20 lbs live rock. It's been
: set up for about 10 months. After I had it set up I bought a pepperment
: shrimp who got big and was thriving. I found him dead recently in my tank
: with no apparent injury. I rubbed it off that he was old. I since had
: purchased 2 cleaner shrimps at different times and lost both of them within
: a week after buying each of them. Again no apparent injury. Salinity is 24,
: PH 8.0, no nitrites or ammonia. Nitrates around 60.(It's always been around
: this point since setting it up) I added a few corals to the tank a month or
: so ago. I have a damsel, 2 clown fish, clown goby, 2 crabs and a turbo
: snail that have lived in the tank a long time and doing well. The guy at
: the pet store thought maybe it was a mantis shrimp killing them. I haven't
: seen any in my tank and assume they would eat the shrimp if they did kill
: them?? Anybody have any ideas what is killing off the shrimps?
:
: Thanks--Susan
:
:

[Ray Martini]

Take your time curing the rock. Let it cure for about three weeks. Hard to
wait but it's worth it.


"Susan" > wrote in message
.. .
> Thanks for all the help :) (You guys are great!!) I have my live rock
> curing seperate from the tank right now. As soon as it's done curing I'll
> add it in. After this do I just run the cansiter filter with only
> charcoal?
>
> Thanks-Susan
> "Billy" > wrote in message
> ...
>>
>>
>>
>> "Susan" > wrote in message
>> . ..
>>> Thanks guys for the help. I actually did buy more live rock today. I
>>> currently am running a Fluval 204 canister filter. I added a new poly
>>> pad also in hopes it will help lower nitrates and take out any metals
>>> and I changed some water in the tank. I'll wait a bit and check the
>>> nitrates again. Is it a possibility that I may have a mantis shrimp
>>> that could be killing off my shrimp?
>>
>>
>> I would agree with the others, the nitrates are high, and may be
>> contributing to the short life of your shrimp. If there was a mantis,
>> you'd be able to tell. A cleaner shrimp done in by a mantis would most
>> likely be in more than one piece when he was done with it. <g>
>> The canister may be contributing to your high nitrates. The bacteria
>> on the polypads are great for converting ammonia to nitrites, and
>> nitrites to nitrate, but that's where it ends. Only water changes, Live
>> Rock, a DSB, algae scrubber or something on those lines can do the rest.
>> I'd go with Mark's suggestion to add the FULLY CURED LR to your tank,
>> (don't believe advertisments that say 'fully cured', cure it yourself,
>> trust me on this.) and lose the canister very soon after that. I wouldn't
>> try adding any livestock until you make whatever changes needed to get
>> those nitrates down. It would be fine in a fish-only tank, but not in
>> what you're striving for. Please let us know if you need any assistance,
>> or have any other questions!
>>
>> billy
>>
>
>

[Susan]

Oops..I made a mistake. It's actually the SG that's 1.024 not the salinity.
(Salinity is around 34 and SG is 1.024). I always get these mixed up.
Thanks again guys :)

Susan
"Boomer" > wrote in message
...
> Susan if your salinity is 24 ppt that is why your shrimp are dead. It
> should be more like
> 34 ppt not 24 ppt. Shrimp molt and a salinity that low will mess up their
> osmoregualtion
> big time.
>
> --
> Boomer
>
> Want to talk chemistry ? The Reef Chemistry Forum
> http://www.reefcentral.com/vbulletin/index.php
>
>
> Former US Army Bomb Technician (EOD)
> Member; IABTI, NATEODA, WEODF, ISEE & IPS
>
> If You See Me Running You Better Catch-Up
>
>
> "Susan" > wrote in message
> ...
> :I hope someone out there can give me an idea what's going on in my tank.
> I
> : have a 29 gallon reef/fish tank with approx.15-20 lbs live rock. It's
> been
> : set up for about 10 months. After I had it set up I bought a pepperment
> : shrimp who got big and was thriving. I found him dead recently in my
> tank
> : with no apparent injury. I rubbed it off that he was old. I since had
> : purchased 2 cleaner shrimps at different times and lost both of them
> within
> : a week after buying each of them. Again no apparent injury. Salinity is
> 24,
> : PH 8.0, no nitrites or ammonia. Nitrates around 60.(It's always been
> around
> : this point since setting it up) I added a few corals to the tank a
> month or
> : so ago. I have a damsel, 2 clown fish, clown goby, 2 crabs and a turbo
> : snail that have lived in the tank a long time and doing well. The guy
> at
> : the pet store thought maybe it was a mantis shrimp killing them. I
> haven't
> : seen any in my tank and assume they would eat the shrimp if they did
> kill
> : them?? Anybody have any ideas what is killing off the shrimps?
> :
> : Thanks--Susan
> :
> :
>
>

[CheezWiz]

I think she meant a Poly-Filter.
Which does soak up nitrates and other bas stuff.
"Billy" > wrote in message
...
>
>
>
> "Susan" > wrote in message
> . ..
>> Thanks guys for the help. I actually did buy more live rock today. I
>> currently am running a Fluval 204 canister filter. I added a new poly
>> pad also in hopes it will help lower nitrates and take out any metals and
>> I changed some water in the tank. I'll wait a bit and check the nitrates
>> again. Is it a possibility that I may have a mantis shrimp that could be
>> killing off my shrimp?
>
>
> I would agree with the others, the nitrates are high, and may be
> contributing to the short life of your shrimp. If there was a mantis,
> you'd be able to tell. A cleaner shrimp done in by a mantis would most
> likely be in more than one piece when he was done with it. <g>
> The canister may be contributing to your high nitrates. The bacteria on
> the polypads are great for converting ammonia to nitrites, and nitrites to
> nitrate, but that's where it ends. Only water changes, Live Rock, a DSB,
> algae scrubber or something on those lines can do the rest. I'd go with
> Mark's suggestion to add the FULLY CURED LR to your tank, (don't believe
> advertisments that say 'fully cured', cure it yourself, trust me on this.)
> and lose the canister very soon after that. I wouldn't try adding any
> livestock until you make whatever changes needed to get those nitrates
> down. It would be fine in a fish-only tank, but not in what you're
> striving for. Please let us know if you need any assistance, or have any
> other questions!
>
> billy
>

[CheezWiz]

Do you have a protein skimmer?
Also, with corals and inverts, I would keep that PH at 8.2-8.4...

CW
"Susan" > wrote in message
...
>I hope someone out there can give me an idea what's going on in my tank. I
>have a 29 gallon reef/fish tank with approx.15-20 lbs live rock. It's been
>set up for about 10 months. After I had it set up I bought a pepperment
>shrimp who got big and was thriving. I found him dead recently in my tank
>with no apparent injury. I rubbed it off that he was old. I since had
>purchased 2 cleaner shrimps at different times and lost both of them within
>a week after buying each of them. Again no apparent injury. Salinity is 24,
>PH 8.0, no nitrites or ammonia. Nitrates around 60.(It's always been
>around this point since setting it up) I added a few corals to the tank a
>month or so ago. I have a damsel, 2 clown fish, clown goby, 2 crabs and a
>turbo snail that have lived in the tank a long time and doing well. The
>guy at the pet store thought maybe it was a mantis shrimp killing them. I
>haven't seen any in my tank and assume they would eat the shrimp if they
>did kill them?? Anybody have any ideas what is killing off the shrimps?
>
> Thanks--Susan
>

[Billy]

"CheezWiz" > wrote in message
...
>I think she meant a Poly-Filter.


Aye, could be!

[Susan]

Oops.. that's what I meant :)

Susan
"Billy" > wrote in message
...
>
>
> "CheezWiz" > wrote in message
> ...
>>I think she meant a Poly-Filter.
>
>
> Aye, could be!
>

[Susan]

I have a skilter filter (I know it's on the low end ) that I'm only running
a poly filter in. I mainly use it for water movement but the skimmer does
pick up. I cleaned that up yesterday to as it may have contributed to high
nitrates. My Ph has dropped some so I'm going to work with that today.

Thanks,
Susan :)
"CheezWiz" > wrote in message
...
> Do you have a protein skimmer?
> Also, with corals and inverts, I would keep that PH at 8.2-8.4...
>
> CW
> "Susan" > wrote in message
> ...
>>I hope someone out there can give me an idea what's going on in my tank.
>>I have a 29 gallon reef/fish tank with approx.15-20 lbs live rock. It's
>>been set up for about 10 months. After I had it set up I bought a
>>pepperment shrimp who got big and was thriving. I found him dead recently
>>in my tank with no apparent injury. I rubbed it off that he was old. I
>>since had purchased 2 cleaner shrimps at different times and lost both of
>>them within a week after buying each of them. Again no apparent injury.
>>Salinity is 24, PH 8.0, no nitrites or ammonia. Nitrates around 60.(It's
>>always been around this point since setting it up) I added a few corals
>>to the tank a month or so ago. I have a damsel, 2 clown fish, clown goby,
>>2 crabs and a turbo snail that have lived in the tank a long time and
>>doing well. The guy at the pet store thought maybe it was a mantis shrimp
>>killing them. I haven't seen any in my tank and assume they would eat the
>>shrimp if they did kill them?? Anybody have any ideas what is killing off
>>the shrimps?
>>
>> Thanks--Susan
>>
>
>

[CheezWiz]

I use SeaChem reef buffer myself. Be sure to measure alkalinity as well.

I used a product some will refer to a "Snake Oil" to remedy my tank of high
nitrates after it was in "Storage" mode for a couple of years at my
girlfriend's (now wife) house while I was away at school. It requires a
skimmer and that is why I asked about it.
After doing many large water changes only to end up with still high nitrates
in the tank (>160), I resorted to AZNO3 or Absolute Zero NO3. It worked as
advertised, but I only had live rock and microfauna in my tank at the time.
It reduced my nitrates to zero in a month and gave me a starting point for
rebuilding the tank. It is supposed to be reef safe, but I cannot testify to
that fact..

Since yours is only at 60 (but still too high) hopefully you can bring it
down with additional rock only. Upgrading to a better skimmer could also
help by greatly reducing the amount of Dissolved Organics before they are
broken down to nitrate. You do not mention what kind of bottom you have in
your tank. Is it bare? Crushed coral? Silicate Sand? Aragonite Sand?

The canister filter is fine so long as you do not use any floss or sponge in
it (circulation only). Only use it for absorbent filter media, but it still
needs to be broken down and cleaned every couple of weeks and media changed
only when exhausted. Even a poly filter can become a nitrate factory when it
gets clogged with organic wastes. The canister adds to the total volume of
tank water, so it helps with dilution of the bad stuff. But if cleaning it
is a hassle, then sacrifice it for a powerhead or two in the main tank and
use your skilter for absorbent media since it is really easy to clean.

Use a turkey baster on a regular basis to get detritus up and into the
skilter, cleaning the skilter after the water clears. Try to do that at
least once a week..

CW

"Susan" > wrote in message
...
>I have a skilter filter (I know it's on the low end ) that I'm only
>running a poly filter in. I mainly use it for water movement but the
>skimmer does pick up. I cleaned that up yesterday to as it may have
>contributed to high nitrates. My Ph has dropped some so I'm going to work
>with that today.
>
> Thanks,
> Susan :)
> "CheezWiz" > wrote in message
> ...
>> Do you have a protein skimmer?
>> Also, with corals and inverts, I would keep that PH at 8.2-8.4...
>>
>> CW
>> "Susan" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>>I hope someone out there can give me an idea what's going on in my tank.
>>>I have a 29 gallon reef/fish tank with approx.15-20 lbs live rock. It's
>>>been set up for about 10 months. After I had it set up I bought a
>>>pepperment shrimp who got big and was thriving. I found him dead
>>>recently in my tank with no apparent injury. I rubbed it off that he was
>>>old. I since had purchased 2 cleaner shrimps at different times and lost
>>>both of them within a week after buying each of them. Again no apparent
>>>injury. Salinity is 24, PH 8.0, no nitrites or ammonia. Nitrates around
>>>60.(It's always been around this point since setting it up) I added a
>>>few corals to the tank a month or so ago. I have a damsel, 2 clown fish,
>>>clown goby, 2 crabs and a turbo snail that have lived in the tank a long
>>>time and doing well. The guy at the pet store thought maybe it was a
>>>mantis shrimp killing them. I haven't seen any in my tank and assume
>>>they would eat the shrimp if they did kill them?? Anybody have any ideas
>>>what is killing off the shrimps?
>>>
>>> Thanks--Susan
>>>
>>
>>
>
>

[Susan]

I have around 20#'s of Carib Sea Aragalive sand. I would like to add some
more into the tank. Not sure though if it would mess up my tank now though
since it's been stocked?? Does anyone have any suggestions on what would be
a good skimmer for a 29 gallon tank?

Thanks,
Susan
"CheezWiz" > wrote in message
...
>I use SeaChem reef buffer myself. Be sure to measure alkalinity as well.
>
> I used a product some will refer to a "Snake Oil" to remedy my tank of
> high nitrates after it was in "Storage" mode for a couple of years at my
> girlfriend's (now wife) house while I was away at school. It requires a
> skimmer and that is why I asked about it.
> After doing many large water changes only to end up with still high
> nitrates in the tank (>160), I resorted to AZNO3 or Absolute Zero NO3. It
> worked as advertised, but I only had live rock and microfauna in my tank
> at the time. It reduced my nitrates to zero in a month and gave me a
> starting point for rebuilding the tank. It is supposed to be reef safe,
> but I cannot testify to that fact..
>
> Since yours is only at 60 (but still too high) hopefully you can bring it
> down with additional rock only. Upgrading to a better skimmer could also
> help by greatly reducing the amount of Dissolved Organics before they are
> broken down to nitrate. You do not mention what kind of bottom you have in
> your tank. Is it bare? Crushed coral? Silicate Sand? Aragonite Sand?
>
> The canister filter is fine so long as you do not use any floss or sponge
> in it (circulation only). Only use it for absorbent filter media, but it
> still needs to be broken down and cleaned every couple of weeks and media
> changed only when exhausted. Even a poly filter can become a nitrate
> factory when it gets clogged with organic wastes. The canister adds to the
> total volume of tank water, so it helps with dilution of the bad stuff.
> But if cleaning it is a hassle, then sacrifice it for a powerhead or two
> in the main tank and use your skilter for absorbent media since it is
> really easy to clean.
>
> Use a turkey baster on a regular basis to get detritus up and into the
> skilter, cleaning the skilter after the water clears. Try to do that at
> least once a week..
>
> CW
>
> "Susan" > wrote in message
> ...
>>I have a skilter filter (I know it's on the low end ) that I'm only
>>running a poly filter in. I mainly use it for water movement but the
>>skimmer does pick up. I cleaned that up yesterday to as it may have
>>contributed to high nitrates. My Ph has dropped some so I'm going to work
>>with that today.
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Susan :)
>> "CheezWiz" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> Do you have a protein skimmer?
>>> Also, with corals and inverts, I would keep that PH at 8.2-8.4...
>>>
>>> CW
>>> "Susan" > wrote in message
>>> ...
>>>>I hope someone out there can give me an idea what's going on in my tank.
>>>>I have a 29 gallon reef/fish tank with approx.15-20 lbs live rock. It's
>>>>been set up for about 10 months. After I had it set up I bought a
>>>>pepperment shrimp who got big and was thriving. I found him dead
>>>>recently in my tank with no apparent injury. I rubbed it off that he was
>>>>old. I since had purchased 2 cleaner shrimps at different times and
>>>>lost both of them within a week after buying each of them. Again no
>>>>apparent injury. Salinity is 24, PH 8.0, no nitrites or ammonia.
>>>>Nitrates around 60.(It's always been around this point since setting it
>>>>up) I added a few corals to the tank a month or so ago. I have a
>>>>damsel, 2 clown fish, clown goby, 2 crabs and a turbo snail that have
>>>>lived in the tank a long time and doing well. The guy at the pet store
>>>>thought maybe it was a mantis shrimp killing them. I haven't seen any
>>>>in my tank and assume they would eat the shrimp if they did kill them??
>>>>Anybody have any ideas what is killing off the shrimps?
>>>>
>>>> Thanks--Susan
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>
>

[CheezWiz]

Don't pay for the "Alive" stuff and get dry instead.
Rinse it really well, then put it in.
Just pour it in around the rockwork and get a depth of 4"+ .

It will cloud the tank, but running it through the skilter and a poly filter
should get a lot of it out. The rest will settle. Just be sure to blow it
off the sessile inverts. I would suggest a small grain oolitic sand for best
nitrate reduction. Others may have additional ideas.

CW
"Susan" > wrote in message
...
>I have around 20#'s of Carib Sea Aragalive sand. I would like to add some
>more into the tank. Not sure though if it would mess up my tank now though
>since it's been stocked?? Does anyone have any suggestions on what would
>be a good skimmer for a 29 gallon tank?
>
> Thanks,
> Susan
> "CheezWiz" > wrote in message
> ...
>>I use SeaChem reef buffer myself. Be sure to measure alkalinity as well.
>>
>> I used a product some will refer to a "Snake Oil" to remedy my tank of
>> high nitrates after it was in "Storage" mode for a couple of years at my
>> girlfriend's (now wife) house while I was away at school. It requires a
>> skimmer and that is why I asked about it.
>> After doing many large water changes only to end up with still high
>> nitrates in the tank (>160), I resorted to AZNO3 or Absolute Zero NO3. It
>> worked as advertised, but I only had live rock and microfauna in my tank
>> at the time. It reduced my nitrates to zero in a month and gave me a
>> starting point for rebuilding the tank. It is supposed to be reef safe,
>> but I cannot testify to that fact..
>>
>> Since yours is only at 60 (but still too high) hopefully you can bring it
>> down with additional rock only. Upgrading to a better skimmer could also
>> help by greatly reducing the amount of Dissolved Organics before they are
>> broken down to nitrate. You do not mention what kind of bottom you have
>> in your tank. Is it bare? Crushed coral? Silicate Sand? Aragonite Sand?
>>
>> The canister filter is fine so long as you do not use any floss or sponge
>> in it (circulation only). Only use it for absorbent filter media, but it
>> still needs to be broken down and cleaned every couple of weeks and media
>> changed only when exhausted. Even a poly filter can become a nitrate
>> factory when it gets clogged with organic wastes. The canister adds to
>> the total volume of tank water, so it helps with dilution of the bad
>> stuff. But if cleaning it is a hassle, then sacrifice it for a powerhead
>> or two in the main tank and use your skilter for absorbent media since it
>> is really easy to clean.
>>
>> Use a turkey baster on a regular basis to get detritus up and into the
>> skilter, cleaning the skilter after the water clears. Try to do that at
>> least once a week..
>>
>> CW
>>
>> "Susan" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>>I have a skilter filter (I know it's on the low end ) that I'm only
>>>running a poly filter in. I mainly use it for water movement but the
>>>skimmer does pick up. I cleaned that up yesterday to as it may have
>>>contributed to high nitrates. My Ph has dropped some so I'm going to
>>>work with that today.
>>>
>>> Thanks,
>>> Susan :)
>>> "CheezWiz" > wrote in message
>>> ...
>>>> Do you have a protein skimmer?
>>>> Also, with corals and inverts, I would keep that PH at 8.2-8.4...
>>>>
>>>> CW
>>>> "Susan" > wrote in message
>>>> ...
>>>>>I hope someone out there can give me an idea what's going on in my
>>>>>tank. I have a 29 gallon reef/fish tank with approx.15-20 lbs live
>>>>>rock. It's been set up for about 10 months. After I had it set up I
>>>>>bought a pepperment shrimp who got big and was thriving. I found him
>>>>>dead recently in my tank with no apparent injury. I rubbed it off that
>>>>>he was old. I since had purchased 2 cleaner shrimps at different times
>>>>>and lost both of them within a week after buying each of them. Again no
>>>>>apparent injury. Salinity is 24, PH 8.0, no nitrites or ammonia.
>>>>>Nitrates around 60.(It's always been around this point since setting it
>>>>>up) I added a few corals to the tank a month or so ago. I have a
>>>>>damsel, 2 clown fish, clown goby, 2 crabs and a turbo snail that have
>>>>>lived in the tank a long time and doing well. The guy at the pet store
>>>>>thought maybe it was a mantis shrimp killing them. I haven't seen any
>>>>>in my tank and assume they would eat the shrimp if they did kill them??
>>>>>Anybody have any ideas what is killing off the shrimps?
>>>>>
>>>>> Thanks--Susan
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>
>

[Fred]

Any ideas as to the best place to get dry sand. Would the sand they sell for
kids sand boxes be ok.
"CheezWiz" > wrote in message
...
> Don't pay for the "Alive" stuff and get dry instead.
> Rinse it really well, then put it in.
> Just pour it in around the rockwork and get a depth of 4"+ .
>
> It will cloud the tank, but running it through the skilter and a poly
filter
> should get a lot of it out. The rest will settle. Just be sure to blow it
> off the sessile inverts. I would suggest a small grain oolitic sand for
best
> nitrate reduction. Others may have additional ideas.
>
> CW
> "Susan" > wrote in message
> ...
> >I have around 20#'s of Carib Sea Aragalive sand. I would like to add
some
> >more into the tank. Not sure though if it would mess up my tank now
though
> >since it's been stocked?? Does anyone have any suggestions on what would
> >be a good skimmer for a 29 gallon tank?
> >
> > Thanks,
> > Susan
> > "CheezWiz" > wrote in message
> > ...
> >>I use SeaChem reef buffer myself. Be sure to measure alkalinity as well.
> >>
> >> I used a product some will refer to a "Snake Oil" to remedy my tank of
> >> high nitrates after it was in "Storage" mode for a couple of years at
my
> >> girlfriend's (now wife) house while I was away at school. It requires a
> >> skimmer and that is why I asked about it.
> >> After doing many large water changes only to end up with still high
> >> nitrates in the tank (>160), I resorted to AZNO3 or Absolute Zero NO3.
It
> >> worked as advertised, but I only had live rock and microfauna in my
tank
> >> at the time. It reduced my nitrates to zero in a month and gave me a
> >> starting point for rebuilding the tank. It is supposed to be reef safe,
> >> but I cannot testify to that fact..
> >>
> >> Since yours is only at 60 (but still too high) hopefully you can bring
it
> >> down with additional rock only. Upgrading to a better skimmer could
also
> >> help by greatly reducing the amount of Dissolved Organics before they
are
> >> broken down to nitrate. You do not mention what kind of bottom you have
> >> in your tank. Is it bare? Crushed coral? Silicate Sand? Aragonite Sand?
> >>
> >> The canister filter is fine so long as you do not use any floss or
sponge
> >> in it (circulation only). Only use it for absorbent filter media, but
it
> >> still needs to be broken down and cleaned every couple of weeks and
media
> >> changed only when exhausted. Even a poly filter can become a nitrate
> >> factory when it gets clogged with organic wastes. The canister adds to
> >> the total volume of tank water, so it helps with dilution of the bad
> >> stuff. But if cleaning it is a hassle, then sacrifice it for a
powerhead
> >> or two in the main tank and use your skilter for absorbent media since
it
> >> is really easy to clean.
> >>
> >> Use a turkey baster on a regular basis to get detritus up and into the
> >> skilter, cleaning the skilter after the water clears. Try to do that at
> >> least once a week..
> >>
> >> CW
> >>
> >> "Susan" > wrote in message
> >> ...
> >>>I have a skilter filter (I know it's on the low end ) that I'm only
> >>>running a poly filter in. I mainly use it for water movement but the
> >>>skimmer does pick up. I cleaned that up yesterday to as it may have
> >>>contributed to high nitrates. My Ph has dropped some so I'm going to
> >>>work with that today.
> >>>
> >>> Thanks,
> >>> Susan :)
> >>> "CheezWiz" > wrote in message
> >>> ...
> >>>> Do you have a protein skimmer?
> >>>> Also, with corals and inverts, I would keep that PH at 8.2-8.4...
> >>>>
> >>>> CW
> >>>> "Susan" > wrote in message
> >>>> ...
> >>>>>I hope someone out there can give me an idea what's going on in my
> >>>>>tank. I have a 29 gallon reef/fish tank with approx.15-20 lbs live
> >>>>>rock. It's been set up for about 10 months. After I had it set up I
> >>>>>bought a pepperment shrimp who got big and was thriving. I found him
> >>>>>dead recently in my tank with no apparent injury. I rubbed it off
that
> >>>>>he was old. I since had purchased 2 cleaner shrimps at different
times
> >>>>>and lost both of them within a week after buying each of them. Again
no
> >>>>>apparent injury. Salinity is 24, PH 8.0, no nitrites or ammonia.
> >>>>>Nitrates around 60.(It's always been around this point since setting
it
> >>>>>up) I added a few corals to the tank a month or so ago. I have a
> >>>>>damsel, 2 clown fish, clown goby, 2 crabs and a turbo snail that have
> >>>>>lived in the tank a long time and doing well. The guy at the pet
store
> >>>>>thought maybe it was a mantis shrimp killing them. I haven't seen
any
> >>>>>in my tank and assume they would eat the shrimp if they did kill
them??
> >>>>>Anybody have any ideas what is killing off the shrimps?
> >>>>>
> >>>>> Thanks--Susan
> >>>>>
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
>
>

[CheezWiz]

Others here can best answer that. There is a Caribbean silica sand called
"sundown" I think that everyone likes. It has been spotted at places like
home depot and lowes. Not just any stuff will do....

In the absence of that, you can use something like this (I use the meridian
oolitic above my plenum which is filled with Onyx sand):
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=8119&N=2004+113553

but you have to have some burrowing critters to keep aragonite from turning
into cement blocks..

"Fred" > wrote in message
...
> Any ideas as to the best place to get dry sand. Would the sand they sell
> for
> kids sand boxes be ok.
> "CheezWiz" > wrote in message
> ...
>> Don't pay for the "Alive" stuff and get dry instead.
>> Rinse it really well, then put it in.
>> Just pour it in around the rockwork and get a depth of 4"+ .
>>
>> It will cloud the tank, but running it through the skilter and a poly
> filter
>> should get a lot of it out. The rest will settle. Just be sure to blow it
>> off the sessile inverts. I would suggest a small grain oolitic sand for
> best
>> nitrate reduction. Others may have additional ideas.
>>
>> CW
>> "Susan" > wrote in message
>> ...
>> >I have around 20#'s of Carib Sea Aragalive sand. I would like to add
> some
>> >more into the tank. Not sure though if it would mess up my tank now
> though
>> >since it's been stocked?? Does anyone have any suggestions on what
>> >would
>> >be a good skimmer for a 29 gallon tank?
>> >
>> > Thanks,
>> > Susan
>> > "CheezWiz" > wrote in message
>> > ...
>> >>I use SeaChem reef buffer myself. Be sure to measure alkalinity as
>> >>well.
>> >>
>> >> I used a product some will refer to a "Snake Oil" to remedy my tank of
>> >> high nitrates after it was in "Storage" mode for a couple of years at
> my
>> >> girlfriend's (now wife) house while I was away at school. It requires
>> >> a
>> >> skimmer and that is why I asked about it.
>> >> After doing many large water changes only to end up with still high
>> >> nitrates in the tank (>160), I resorted to AZNO3 or Absolute Zero NO3.
> It
>> >> worked as advertised, but I only had live rock and microfauna in my
> tank
>> >> at the time. It reduced my nitrates to zero in a month and gave me a
>> >> starting point for rebuilding the tank. It is supposed to be reef
>> >> safe,
>> >> but I cannot testify to that fact..
>> >>
>> >> Since yours is only at 60 (but still too high) hopefully you can bring
> it
>> >> down with additional rock only. Upgrading to a better skimmer could
> also
>> >> help by greatly reducing the amount of Dissolved Organics before they
> are
>> >> broken down to nitrate. You do not mention what kind of bottom you
>> >> have
>> >> in your tank. Is it bare? Crushed coral? Silicate Sand? Aragonite
>> >> Sand?
>> >>
>> >> The canister filter is fine so long as you do not use any floss or
> sponge
>> >> in it (circulation only). Only use it for absorbent filter media, but
> it
>> >> still needs to be broken down and cleaned every couple of weeks and
> media
>> >> changed only when exhausted. Even a poly filter can become a nitrate
>> >> factory when it gets clogged with organic wastes. The canister adds to
>> >> the total volume of tank water, so it helps with dilution of the bad
>> >> stuff. But if cleaning it is a hassle, then sacrifice it for a
> powerhead
>> >> or two in the main tank and use your skilter for absorbent media since
> it
>> >> is really easy to clean.
>> >>
>> >> Use a turkey baster on a regular basis to get detritus up and into the
>> >> skilter, cleaning the skilter after the water clears. Try to do that
>> >> at
>> >> least once a week..
>> >>
>> >> CW
>> >>
>> >> "Susan" > wrote in message
>> >> ...
>> >>>I have a skilter filter (I know it's on the low end ) that I'm only
>> >>>running a poly filter in. I mainly use it for water movement but the
>> >>>skimmer does pick up. I cleaned that up yesterday to as it may have
>> >>>contributed to high nitrates. My Ph has dropped some so I'm going to
>> >>>work with that today.
>> >>>
>> >>> Thanks,
>> >>> Susan :)
>> >>> "CheezWiz" > wrote in message
>> >>> ...
>> >>>> Do you have a protein skimmer?
>> >>>> Also, with corals and inverts, I would keep that PH at 8.2-8.4...
>> >>>>
>> >>>> CW
>> >>>> "Susan" > wrote in message
>> >>>> ...
>> >>>>>I hope someone out there can give me an idea what's going on in my
>> >>>>>tank. I have a 29 gallon reef/fish tank with approx.15-20 lbs live
>> >>>>>rock. It's been set up for about 10 months. After I had it set up
>> >>>>>I
>> >>>>>bought a pepperment shrimp who got big and was thriving. I found
>> >>>>>him
>> >>>>>dead recently in my tank with no apparent injury. I rubbed it off
> that
>> >>>>>he was old. I since had purchased 2 cleaner shrimps at different
> times
>> >>>>>and lost both of them within a week after buying each of them. Again
> no
>> >>>>>apparent injury. Salinity is 24, PH 8.0, no nitrites or ammonia.
>> >>>>>Nitrates around 60.(It's always been around this point since setting
> it
>> >>>>>up) I added a few corals to the tank a month or so ago. I have a
>> >>>>>damsel, 2 clown fish, clown goby, 2 crabs and a turbo snail that
>> >>>>>have
>> >>>>>lived in the tank a long time and doing well. The guy at the pet
> store
>> >>>>>thought maybe it was a mantis shrimp killing them. I haven't seen
> any
>> >>>>>in my tank and assume they would eat the shrimp if they did kill
> them??
>> >>>>>Anybody have any ideas what is killing off the shrimps?
>> >>>>>
>> >>>>> Thanks--Susan
>> >>>>>
>> >>>>
>> >>>>
>> >>>
>> >>>
>> >>
>> >>
>> >
>> >
>>
>>
>
>