Something's Gone Awry

I've used a Simpson Analog Model 260, and my Fluke T5. I place a probe in the water, and one to ground. I've also tried a cheap $5 probe. None detect anything. It's the Simpson I trust most, set on the lowest setting (largest deflection) I trust it to detect voltage if it existed.

You turned me on to Bulk Reef Supply's two part solution product. It's the only addition I use. I think it's a quick, foolproof method to keep Ca, Ma and Alk in line.

I don't have a TDS meter, I've never tested my RO/DI water. I live in a suburb on city water. No wells or pollutants of which I'm aware.

Today looks worse than two days ago. I think my bubble is dying. My GSPs haven't opened for at least 10 days.

I ordered some Coralife salt from Drs Foster and Smith yesterday, but I might buy enough salt at my LFS to do a water change today.

 

You should get a tds meter so you know when your membranes are going south. Also, you should be able to get a water report online. You'd be surprised at what's in your tap water. While it may not be harmful to us, it could wreak havoc on a reef tank.

As to what seal to check...I dunno Drop Roger a PM if you haven't already.

 

Sparky, I know that your getting all kinds of great advice from everywhere, but You need to do a serious WC and soon, like last week. Is there any way that you could get those corals out and take them to the LFS or a local friend for holding until you get this under control? I hate lossing anything, as all of us do. Im just trying to think of everything, you know that its much easier to think when your outside looking in rather than the other way around. Luna

 

dude, this all sucks and I'm sorry it's happening to you! have you checked the iodine & strontium levels yet? I use the same 2 part Mg too and love it.

 

Never trust what is in the city water as you don't really know you are just trusting. Also have you made sure that your outlet doesn't have a open ground? Some old housed or some wired by "Johnny on the Spot" never ran their ground plug to ground or wired it to a plastic receptacle box. Just something to check.

 

Thanks, amcarrig. I went to the LFS and used their TDS meter today. My RO/DI is at 0 as I suspected, and as promised by airwaterice.com. A testament to their great product.

Thanks, Luna. You're pretty close, you know, I could consider YOU a local friend!! LOL. In all honesty, if my consecutive water changes over the next 3 days have no effect, perhaps you could help me out? With gas prices being what they are, I'd drive to you.

I ordered some Coralife salt per Geek's advice, and it will take a week to get it. Today I purchased some H2Ocean salt mix, and will do a 15G water change in the next hour. I'll keep everyone posted.

No, cuttingras. I've not checked iodine or strontium. These past 3 days I've had so many expenditures, I have to choose my battles. Eventually I'll get test kits for both, but not today.

Simple as it might seem, Scott, if you have an open ground, you can't check your single phase voltage with a DMM using phase to ground. Having done a bit of electrical work in my house; (switching to decora receptacles and adding a few GFCIs here and there, I've repeatedly tested phase voltage to ground by this method--if my ground were open the test would have failed. Nowadays, while it's not impossible, it's nearly impossible for a final to pass (inspection) on new construction with something as glaring as the ground not being permanent, continuous, and able to carry any fault current likely to be imposed on it.

Thanks everyone, again.

I'll keep you all posted. You're a great support group.

 

Just bought this inline TDS meter (Inline TDS Monitor: Premium Aquatics) on Monday and love it! (Sorry, insert link button isn't working!) Well worth 30 bones, and PA is a great company. It is the same one Scott has, and test the water in and out. In is 336 ppm for me!! Out is 0-1 ! Much better than the handheld equivalent IMO, I press one button and know, it is too easy now to "put off" until later. I know you got a lot goin out, but it would be worth it once you get this thing figured out. Good luck, keep us updated!!

 

Hey, BM. I'm pretty sure that's the one I used today. The guy at the LFS said I was welcome to come in and use it, as he didn't know how to operate "one a them thangs."

It turned out to be a dual inline model, and I simply held the barrel vertically, with my finger covering the bottom, and poured my water sample in. It started out at 0, and I watched it over the next 10 seconds, it went first to 1, then 2 then 3--and stuck there for 30 seconds. I then filled the other barrel with the same finger as a "stopper" on the bottom, and it read zero. After 30 seconds it remained at 0.

I assumed from this experience that the salt off my fingertip (sweat?) slowly came into solution, making the first reading slowly rise to 3. The second reading started, and stuck at 0. I also assumed this was because the salt on my fingertip was rinsed off from the first barrel.

As I thought, my airwaterice.com Typhoon 5 stage RO/DI unit works flawlessly. Eventually I'll get a TDS meter.

 

Hey, if I can help you in any way, you just let me know. Im here for ya, my fellow Floridian Reefer.;D I really mean it!! Luna

 

Dont know what all you have in the tank but if its what you showed pics of just take those corals somewhere else till you get things figured out. Might give them a chance to liven up a bit before putting them back into your own.

Just trying to be practical.