I just want to clarify - I in no way think it's the bulk chems that are responsible, I know tons of other people who are using the exact same ones from the exact same batches without problems, but I also know that I changed a lot of things in a short amount of time before this all began, which if this is a 'syncopated event' of a bunch of small changes working together to cause a serious problem, returning to the brands I was using before this all began is (at least I hope) a way to eliminate one avenue of stress.

In any case I got some more advice today and a 100% water change really does seem like the best way forward. I resisted it because I'm sooooo not set up to do that, but tomorrow I'm going to try and track down 6 more of the 55 gallon rain barrels to start making water.

Stick with it Adam :smile: We're rootin' for ya !!!
I know it's depressing but I can't imagine not running my tank now ...

Somebody on here local to you must be able to loan you a tank large enough to hold your WC water for a week

Stick with it and you'll be happy you got through it :biggrin:

How much water do you need to hold to do a 100% WC ?
300g ? 350G ?

Put a post up looking for loaner tanks ...

If I was in your town I'd be there to help you stay in the hobby

A 50g from this guy, and a 100g from that guy, and another here and there is all it takes to do the job !!!

or buy a 300g plastic trough. then you can store it somehwere in case you need it again. easy enough to move alone.

I have a new Laguna PT795 (51"x32"x18") basin and a couple 32 gallon brutes you can borrow.

Do you know where to pick one of those up in Calgary?

Thanks man, I'll PM you.

Dude, I just totally remembered that I bought a 150g trough last summer to house my Koi temporarily. I still have it and am not using it at the moment if you want to borrow it.

Also, I got mine at UCA up by Airdrie. They sell farm stuffs.

I would try UFA if Kien's suggestion doesn't pan out.

Right, UFA, not UCA. They had big 300g ones there for sure, but they are expensive !