2 Shrimp just up and died ??

If you only knew how many minerals you just added to the tank with tap water you would faint. NEVER put tap water in a sw system, it will only cause problems. You also need to check for voltage in the tank, do you run a ground probe??

 

Sorry for your loss man. I never really trust a med that states that it is reef safe. Some have been lucky and others have not..Shrimp are VERY sensitive as are all invertebrates...The company website states that this medication is "far more forgiving" then other treatments. This statement leads me to believe that it is not 100 % reef safe...

 

Nope, didn't know I needed one. Would the voltage come from the power heads I guess?

What exactly is a ground probe?

 

So where do you guys get your water? Can I buy a filter for the tap water?

 

make your own water using a RO/DI Filter..Some stores sell RO water, however, in the long run a filter is cheaper.
Here is the one I use:
Aqua FX

 

thanks...but I was afraid you were going to reference something expensive...my wife is going to kill me :

I know the Salt Water store in our town sells their RO/DI water. Any idea of a reasonable price for it per gallon?

 

In the long run, you're really better off buying your own r.o. unit as it can get costly when you buy the "pre-made" stuff. Since I never buy it, I can't help you with your question regarding a reasonable price but if you call the other stores in your area that sell it, you can figure out an average going price per gallon.

As for iodine, I am completely against adding it as it does more harm than good. If you do regular water changes, everything should be supplemented via your salt mix. If you add iodine, you could, among other things, force your inverts to molt before they're ready to which can cause them to die.

 

Here's the actual levels:

Salt: 1.023
Temp: 78F
Nitrate: 0
Nitrite: 0
Ammonia: 0
Phosphate: 0
PH: 8.3

 

When I used to buy RO water, it was .50 per gal. As for the unit itself, try Ebay. I found a unit for $40.00. Also try this guy purewaterclub*com.
Amcarrig is right when she says its better in the long run, not to mention, you dont have to carry those heavy containers from the LFS to your house and back.

 

BTW, if your going to have a reef tank, you'll need to also test for Cal, Alk/dkh, Mag.