Should they scrap this tank and start over

[mumra]

So long story short. This tank has a TON of algae, a single mushroom coral, a single clown and a domino damsel.

My friend can't care for this right now so here I am. I'm thinking we just give the fish and Snails away and strip it down to start from scratch later. Thoughts? This is about the worst that I've ever seen.

 

[mumra]

For reference this is what it looked like minus the coral and fish that I kept when I gave it to them. Needless to say, I'm

 

[Steve Burton]

Seems a shame to lose all the established bacteria. I would suggest API Algaefix (same thing a Vibrant at much cheaper cost). You can read my experience in Steve's 180 posts 79-88.

 

[mumra]

I didn't test the water because I was not planning on seeing that. However, I think it's safe to assume that everything bad is sky high.

 

[Steve Burton]

With that much algae, your nitrates may read low or unreadable.

 

[Hunna]

If you can start saving it now, I’d say give that a shot. Algae can be combated fairly easily once you figure out the source feeding it. As mentioned, you’d be losing all live rock and any of the good bacteria/CuC/microfauna.

If that isn’t an issue because you have plenty of clean liverock laying around, and are unhappy with the scape then maybe it’s best to empty it out and start over.

 

[chaples55]

I agree it's salvageable. I've had good results with fluconazole (Flux Rx) for hair algae and chemiclean for cyano. I believe Steve's recommendation is broader spectrum and cheaper though so maybe start with that.

Once the algae is gone, add more cleanup crew and consider implementing a nutrient reduction method (refugium, carbon dosing) to make sure it doesn't come back

 

[aquaworld75]

Totally salvageable… I recently bought poorly maintained full setup systems (just for the bacteria rich rock and sand). I broke down the systems and transported all rock and sand with water. Then cleaned (with saltwater) sand and rock, then re-setup in temporary tanks to “re-cycle” the bacteria running with skimmer only (no lights).

You may not be able to break down and re-setup.. but I would start with removing a few rocks at a time (scrubbing algae).. and siphoning the sand (1/4 at a time). Do this over a few months w/ water changes.

The fact that the mushroom and Xenia are still there is a “decent” sign…as you clean and rejuvenate keep an eye on those corals to gauge progress, using them as your test kit .

The real question is whether the tank will be maintained… if not, probably best to break down / save for later… but I’m sure someone will take the live rock / livestock.

 

[mumra]

The real question is whether the tank will be maintained… if not, probably best to break down / save for later… but I’m sure someone will take the live rock / livestock.

And that's where the main problem is. The person this tank belongs to is basically doing the single mom thing for what looks like might be a long time and she has 0 experience with tanks. They were topping it off with tap water that they let sit out for a few days first.

I think at the very least I'll try Steve's treatment idea, pull the fish, give those away and just leave te cuc in place.

 

[mumra]

Found out more problems last night.

The light (AI Prime 16hd) has been going on and off randomly. It looked super dusty so I'm sure that has something to do with it. Also, the water temp was 80 degrees (heater set to 68. So it wasnt even on). Its in a warmer room and their AC has been on the fritz so that makes sense. So odds are that they would need a chiller as well.

Frankly, I'm not sure she can handle all of this, monitoring, equipment and livestock.

 

[aquaworld75]

Agreed, help your friend break down the tank… distribute the live stock / storage or sell equipment. Will probably be less stress for all involved . The idea of a tank is great.. the reality is a commitment.

 

[Swank1987]

From an ASMR perspective I’d love to see the Timelapse of the recovery. Also, curious how long it’d take 10 turbos to clean it up.

 

[msporleder]

My kids and I connect with aquariums because our two tanks live in their rooms. I think your friend could keep it.

Topping up with tap water + carbon filter is fine. Our water is soft/low-TDS. A really cheap and not-bright light (on a timer) will keep the algae down.

The real trick will be water changes since salt water is such a hassle to make.

 

[mumra]

My kids and I connect with aquariums because our two tanks live in their rooms. I think your friend could keep it.

Topping up with tap water + carbon filter is fine. Our water is soft/low-TDS. A really cheap and not-bright light (on a timer) will keep the algae down.

The real trick will be water changes since salt water is such a hassle to make.

They weren't even using a carbon filter and I think the other big problem was the lack of watch changes. I know they don't have any mixing equipment.

When i had the tank i would just take a 5gal bucket to SA once a month to get some saltwater to do a change.not super convenient but I'm not even sure who's near them to do that. I'll have to look.