Tank trouble!!

Aquattro · #1 02-25-2002, 12:15 PM

I noticed over the last two days that I have some kind of problem (in the tank). I recently removed 2 Hagen powerheads and replaced them with 3 maxijets. This is to run off my new (used) RedSea wavemaker. I hooked everything up and noticed that one of the powerheads wasn't working. It turned out to be a problem with the wavemaker. I didn't worry about it. A few days later, I figured I'd plug the non-working PH into a full time power source while I wait for my new wavemaker. I had to adjust it for direction and during this my 4" Maxima closed up (it's about 3" away from the PH). I plugged in the PH and my clam hasn't opened since. Last night I felt that since this was the cause, I unplugged the PH. This morning I notice that the clam still isn't open, although I just turned on the light, but also all the corraline on the rock the clam is on has turned white for about 5" down the rock. The clam sits on a separate rock in a pinnacle shape. The corraline on the clam is also turning white. 2 other small areas in the tank are turning white also. Is this related to "leaky" PH? Or is this unrelated? No other changes within this time frame.
All fish, corals, and other clams are fine. Water quality is perfect (although I haven't checked pH yet).
Only other change was the addition of a Ca reactor 3 or 4 weeks ago. I don't think it's related to the reactor, but opinions are welcome!

Steve, if you could come by ASAP with a multi-meter, we can test the powerhead for stray voltage.

I do not have a grounding probe...does anyone?

Any and all ideas are more than welcome. I realize that if it was the PH, it could be days until I notice a change. I'm not in awaiting mood though, and would like to explore all ideas!

Thanks.

Troy F · #2 02-25-2002, 01:16 PM

Brad, how long has the clam been closed up? My idea is; if it were stray voltage you'd notice it in more than just the clam. The localized bleaching of your coralline is odd or the start of a problem. Figure out the pH and check to see that there aren't any pests bothering your clam.

Aquattro · #3 02-25-2002, 01:22 PM

Troy, it's been closed almost two days. This coincides with the corraline bleaching. No pests bothering the clam, but I turkey basted under it's shell to be sure. Nothing at all on the mantle. I inspect my clams almost daily for snails, etc.
I was thinking maybe a magnetic field from the PH rather than voltage. I'll go home at lunch today and check pH and see how things look with the PH unplugged. Probably make some water too!!

Acro · #4 02-25-2002, 01:26 PM

Brad,
Since the addition of your reactor have you been testing alk levels? I'm just wondering if perhaps it has climbed above exceptable levels.Also how long have you had the clam for?
Jamie

Aquattro · #5 02-25-2002, 01:43 PM

Jamie, alk is at 4.1 mEq/l, clam has been there for 3 months.
Ca - 420 ppm
Temp - 81 C
pH - 8.3 average last time I checked a week ago.
A/N/N - 0/0/0ppm
No additives
No other changes from normal routine.

I can't test pH of my reactor effluent due to test kit limitation (7.4 min).
Calling Allen for a pinpoint today.

Reefmaster · #6 02-25-2002, 01:49 PM

hey brad
we haven't yet met but i've got an extra ph meter you can borrow for now if needed to check things out. you are also welcome to borrow my grounding probe as well.
call if you like - i am home all day.
shane 472-2740

Seaquest · #7 02-25-2002, 01:58 PM

Hi

Are you dripping any kawkwasser into your tank which may be blown down over the clam and rock by the new power head. If there was stray voltage it would effect more than just your clam. Are adding chemicals correctly in corect amounts and methods? It may not be stray static voltage but rather a undetectable short in the power head leaching raw voltage into the tank.

Aquattro · #8 02-25-2002, 02:16 PM

Shane, thanks, I'll give you a call. You're down behind UVic, right?

Seaquest, no, no kalk at this time. No additives at all. Well, RO water, but no chemicals.
The problem is pretty much localized to the clam and 6 inches of rock below it. Just plain weird!!

Acro · #9 02-25-2002, 02:34 PM

Hmmmm,Well all I can think of is now is if the clam has died then perhaps the leaching dead animal would kill the corraline below it. How did the clam look up till yesterday? How did the incurrent syphon look? Was it gapeing? The only thing I can remember reading sometime ago is that what you have experienced happens to newly introduced clam. I would still concider 3 months new intro. I would geuss that perhaps the clam was sick to begin with (perhaps unvisable) but the one change put it over the edge. Obviously just speculation.

Aquattro · #10 02-25-2002, 02:40 PM

Jamie, I don't think that's it. I had a clam die once and I know how it acted. This clam is still responsive to light and is partially open. It was perfect until the moment I plugged in the PH. It has been fully expanded, non-gaping and growing steadily. I have about 1/3 of an inch growth in the shell in 3 months. I believe there is a pic of this clam in the second batch of pictures I posted the other day. It looks, well, happy as a clam!!