I have not done well. Now what?

[DUIdiver]

Hi Lee,
So I am ignorant (but gaining knowledge) about a lot of things in this section. I think, like many folks, I intend well, but this whole section makes me feel inadequate in my husbandry. That being said, where do we start to do things correct. I am guessing with proper water changes as described and with proper introduction of new animals, but what do we do about existing problems we may have and not even know about? How do we know if we have some nasty bacteria or other issue in our display that our current animals have become immune? How can we take a tank that may be contaminated and clean it up? Would we need to tear everything down and start over? I know your response depends on many factors and information you don't have. I guess a brief summary with links to more extensive information would be helpful. I have been taking care of saltwater fish and corals for about 6 years and have done well with some things and not so well with others. If you have this topic discussed in detail already, a link to the thread would be awesome. Thanks Lee!
-Bryan

 

[leebca]

Bryan,

It is not abundantly clear as to what sort of problems you might be facing. Most problems that have begun at an early time can be resolved through making slow changes to the system. You have posed many divergent questions of a general nature, so it is difficult for me to be very specific. Thus, I can only speak in generalities.

Start by reviewing the equipment you use. I would suggest that you pretend like you are starting a brand-new Marine aquarium. Review the link provided here as to the equipment set up and other basic concepts. http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/f15/starting-fowlr-marine-system-27189/

Next, you want to expand your equipment knowledge and what equipment and tests for water quality needs to be done and performed on a regular basis. This link will take you to a slightly higher level of information and knowledge about how to control water quality and the choice of the proper equipment to maintain it. In addition that link will give you information about the different types of tests you need to be performing on a regular basis for monitoring your water quality.
http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/f15/what-water-quality-27575/

Once you have, more or less brought the system up to above average performance the next thing to do is to make sure you're marine life is being fed properly. Providing your fishes with the proper nutrition will take care of any minor concerns about the bacteria and other minor captivity concerns. I did not include them here, however there are stickies to review regarding fish nutrition types and forms of foods, and how to feed macroalgae to those fishes that eat it. If the system is set up properly to remove organics this should take care of any minor contamination. To do this, using a skimmer and a carbon filtration system is extremely useful.

After these two main topics have been addressed and brought to a higher level, the next thing is proper maintenance and care of the system, including equipment, lighting, pumps, and things of that nature. As you yourself have pointed out, water changes fall into the category of proper maintenance. However, proper maintenance also includes the cleaning up of detritus, wastes, and any dead marine life.

Putting marine life through a proper quarantine process will build up their ability to handle any small almost negligible bacteria or contamination problem in the system. This is one very good reason for performing quarantine.

Beyond what I've written above I don't know what else to say. If you have some specific problem or contamination or poison in the system I might be able to address how to handle it. Ask if you have anymore questions.

 

[DUIdiver]

Thanks Lee. I know the information I gave was vague, but I was looking for a basic list that you felt was important for proper tank care. You outlined very well and gave me plenty to digest. I have been running carbon and a skimmer and feeding a good mixed diet which is why I have had moderate success, but I would like to improve my care. Reading your threads on water changes and QT made me really question my own practices and what I would need to do to get to that level of care. Thank you for your response and for helping us all.
-Bryan