Well SHOOT....my fish died.....Help If You Want.

[Surfdog]

I use a refractometer as well. Its a dead on piece of equipment vital to keeping salt water enviroments. I use a Sybon, was about $65. It's awefull losing fish, especially when everything seems to be running great. Did I read your on a well? If it's shared, could someone have dosed it as a normal maintenance (add bleach/disinfectant) without you knowing? I don't know any who test for chlorine/chloramines, I use Prime on every ounce of water going into my tank's. I sure hope you track it down and it wasent some random thing so you never know...Best of luck.

[ColorfulRevenge]

No its a single household well. Its just all very strange; the fresh water tanks aren't having any spikes and the fish are super happy. I did find out that HomeDepot carries RO water. It has calcium carbonate and magnesium added to it though, is that a good thing?

[Cliff]

Have you been testing the alkalinity, calcium and magnesium in your tank?

Without knowing those current levels, can't really give you a good idea.

Did you ever end up getting a refactormeter ?

[ColorfulRevenge]

The alkalinity is good.
I got a copper test kit and there is none in it.
The calcium test kit says that I am around 485 ppm, that's probably because I have a giant piece of dead coral in there.
Still looking for a local shop that has a magnesium test kit.

The refactor has to wait a bit; other personal things need more money.

[Cliff]

As you calcium is that high, it is likely coming from the salt that you are using. Brands like Instant Ocean have higher calcium levels. You won't get that much calcium leaching out from rocks.

When you say your alkalinity is "good" what is the exact level ? That is amoung the more imporatant parameters to make sure your water is good.

I would suggest to get the refactormeter as soon as practical for you. That would be more improtant than getting a mag test kit.

Keep us posted on your progress

[ColorfulRevenge]

I will have to do the test again wednesday to get you those numbers. On a better note the free coral frag is doing amazing with the new lights, the tube worms on my live rock are thriving and growing. Also a friend gave me an Condylactis gigantea and its super happy.