Sheps 5 gallon sump build

[nshepler]

Well I came home from school today and my tank is nuked. So I'm guessing the bacteria couldn't keep up? Mini cycle? And since my tank is so small it just couldn't handle it. All my coral is bleached my fish is dead snails are looking bad. What do I do?


Shep

 

[Sniperhank]

Large water changes to lower whatever parameters are out of whack.

 

[nshepler]

I checked the parameters and everything was normal. Could it have been my silicon? Or pvc cement? There's a foamy substance in my sump.


Shep

 

[Sniperhank]

How would your silicone or pvc cement cause it if it was dry? Our systems are built out of all of this stuff. It shouldn't cause any issues at all. I've even used not fully dry both and run water through it on an established tank without issues.

 

[nshepler]

Yea I didn't think it was that. I just don't want to leave anything out. Do you think my zoas and monti cap will recover?


Shep

 

[PB_Smith]

if everything is dying and there is foaming in the sump, something contaminated the water.
Think of any possible suspect items, hand lotion/soap on your hands/ little brother or sister/ mom spray some cleaner or air freshener/pets, anything that could have caused it?


a die off that rapid, I'm assuming 6 hours or so if they were good in the morning, suggests the tank got poisoned somehow.

 

[nshepler]

So how should I go about fixing this? Drain the sump and fill it back up? I did a large water change.


Shep

 

[PB_Smith]

if possible you should run some quality activated carbon in the filter to remove any possible contaminants from the water.

 

[nshepler]

Okay I'll run some carbon, should I turn the sump back on and run the carbon? Or run it on the HOB in the dt only?


Shep

 

[Sniperhank]

I'd want the sump online. More water towards the problem will help dilute whatever is going on.

 

[nshepler]

Alright I'm running carbon, I'll keep you guys posted. Thanks for the advice!


Shep

 

[nshepler]

My zoas are looking better, my monti cap on the other hand I have little faith in that making a recovery.


Shep