Friend damaged coral

I hope we're not getting to off topic going into the blame game, but anyways. I agree that the friend isn't 100% at fault, but IMO, it's probably at like 80-20. If you were told to deliver something to a factory, manufacturing plant or whatever, would you then start to press buttons, pull levers or plug/unplug things? He very well may have had good intentions, but that doesn't alleviate him from fault.

 

Are they colorful levers and buttons ? lol – your right there is enough blame to go around. Derk did a good thing tho, posted to provide everyone with a gentle reminder to mind your tank from inexperienced family and friends.

 

We'll say they are moderately colorful. Your point is true, just another reminder that you need to be extremely careful when inexperienced people are involved in the care of a salt water tank.

 

yes I do think it was partially my fault when it came to the tank incedent but, I figured with directions like hold the cube in front of the return pump that is blowing water in the top right hand corner of the tank until it is dissolved wouldn't be to hard to misinterpret. But no coral but a head of torch and a bit of chalice died, chalice can grow on top of the bleached part in the middle right? if not will it encroach the living coral, and should I frag it away from the bleached part. I have taught my parents how to take care of the tank so everything should be set, just have to teach my friend now.

 

Man sorry to hear about that. As a person rule for myself, if something in my tank is unplugged and unused, it comes out of the tank, especially pumps. Most pumps have metal impeller shafts that can rust, so I take them out. I also do that because I don't want any accidental re-plugged in equipment that shouldn't be plugged in by an unknowing eye, like family or significant other.
As for the bleached areas, are you sure it is in fact dead area? If it is, I would frag off the dead area to keep that from spreading. Other than that, just try to restore stability in your tank, test your levels and make sure no ammonia was released with the sandbed being disturbed, and do small water changes to help remove the bad stuff that was released into the water column.
Best of luck, I feel your pain.

 

imo if something needs to be done right, you need to do it yourself. when you get other people involved you always run the risk. because even though we think this hobby can be simplified most people are terrified at the husbandry of these tanks.

 

Sorry to hear, wishing for the best.

 

There is nothing worse then entrusting your tank to someone that had little to no marine aquarium knowledge. Not sure who said it, but I dont even like leaving it with people that have knowledge (they think they know whats good for my tank). Leaving town is a tough situation to handle, it make vacations that much more stressful.
And dont beat his kids, just politely place them in front of a fire hose and see how that suits them

 

If its just one night why bother feeding the fish? Just feed them the day before or the day after and they will be fine. Most people don't feed their fish everyday.