Journal GRobbins Tanks Journal

[Immortal1]

Sorry to read about the loss of Rainbows
FWIW, I do like the new hardscape look

 

[GreggZ]

Holey smokes what in the heck happened? I feel you pain. Losing old Bows is terrible.

Any idea at all? Remember years ago when I had the tank pump oozing toxic oil? I have been there my friend. Would like to find the cause as to help others. Nobody wants this pain.

 

[GRobbins]

Holey smokes what in the heck happened? I feel you pain. Losing old Bows is terrible.

Any idea at all? Remember years ago when I had the tank pump oozing toxic oil? I have been there my friend. Would like to find the cause as to help others. Nobody wants this pain.

You are the first person I thought of when it started happening! Here is what I believe happened- and mistakes were made, but I learned.

I had purchased those new bows early this year. At the time I didn't have a QT system setup (I never have), but usually that is not an issue since I typically introduced new fish and monitor closely, medicating if something seems off. Well, after I added this new fish, I had an unexpected work trip, so I was not home to monitor. Left one day, then back three days later to some floaters. Took about 7 days to stop the bleeding and lots of trial and error on meds (and another trip for work the following week). Whatever the sickness was hit the bows the hardest, but I also lost an angelfish and a roseline. Very heavy breathing, scales falling off the bows, and secondary bacterial or fungal infection. A complete mess...

I checked back at one of the LFS I got some of the bows from, and would you believe it if I told you they were being medicated? Huge mistake on my part, but also a huge lesson. I grabbed 10 gallon kit to have a little QT system and that is what I'll do from now on.

 

[GRobbins]

Things have seemed to stabilize in this tank. After water chang today I finally started a light dosing of macros. I am not trying to push this tank too hard, more of just enjoy a lower maintnance (from a trimming perspective) tank. CO2 is running but not pushing to the limits. I also played a bit with the lighting, more to get the colors I wanted than anything else. Once of the 6 T5HO fixtures is not working, but that is not terrible with what I am trying to do. I'll be running 3 bulbs most of the day (Tropic, flora, and a red bulb) then 5 bulbs for two hour burst. If I find the time I'll check the PAR, since these bulbs are pretty old as well.

Here are a few tank a fish photos!

 

[Art]

Wow beautiful pictures. Love the contrast with the white angels.