New tank questions

[hannahstank]

Hello

We just got last week a nano cube. My parents purchased it for myself and my family. They purchased it from a Speciality Salt Water fish store in our city. The tank was already set up with everything and had already been estabilsed while at the store. The owner is very particular about adding things very slowly and he is very cautious.

My question is we buy salt water from the store so we don't have to mix. Does anyone else do this? Also the tank had 2 open brain corals that have died. It's only been 1 week but they are dead. The store will replace them but why would they die?

Also this morning we smelled something burning and checked on the tank. It smells like a wire fried or something. The tank was not brand new as the store had already been using it and establishing everything in it. I will call the store when they open today but wondered if the heater is out is that something they can replace?

Thanks!
Mindy

 

[sadielynn]

Hi and welcome
I have bought bottled salt water already nutri sea water and others here use catilina h20 but I have generally found in our area it is easier just to mix my own .
As for the burning smell I would check all electrical componets of this tank filter , lights ballast , power head (s) , and heater , if it is your heater yes that is a replaceable component , as are the lights, powerhead and not sure on this the filter . Also check should you be using (this is a hazard) extension cords for excessive heating which could be an early sign that a fire could occur. Here is a link with some one who had a ballast heating up . http://nanotank.com/forum/viewtopic.php ... light=fire
As for the brains I am not to well versed on them but just thinking that with buying a tank that was established and moving it from point A to point B could have set off a cycle that killed them there are many other variables that could have contributed to their demise , what are your water perameters ? Ammonia NitrIte NitrAte , calcium ect... . I am sure that others will have input for you , but do check all electrical components for a hot feel ... Good luck and welcome :mrgreen:

 

[Sea_Dawg]

Also the tank had 2 open brain corals that have died. It's only been 1 week but they are dead. The store will replace them but why would they die?

One reason for the death of your open brains may be lack of food. Brains feed very slowly so hand feeding is best. Also the amount of feedings can greatly depend on the light, the more light the less feedings.

Do you think that could be the cause of the brain problem?

 

[djconn]

Is the lighting stock in your nanocube? Unfortunately, I'll be the first to say that the stock lighting is insufficient for most corals to flourish in my opinion.

Welcome the the site and keep asking questions!

 

[incysor]

Moving a tank, will normally cause a small cycle, and generally stress things out.

Like others have said, stock lighting on most nanocubes may not be enough to keep your corals happy, and brains require quite a bit of food.

For most nano tanks buying RO/DI fresh water for top off, and saltwater will be the easiest solution. Making your own saltwater is a little bit cheaper, but it requires you to have an RO/DI unit, since tap water isn't acceptable.

Something else that is worth mentioning, is that most LFS, even ones specializing in saltwater, are not to be trusted, until you've done enough research on your own to judge whether they really know what they're doing, and are responsible about answering questions. There are simply too many LFSs out there that hire kids that don't know what they're doing, or will sell you things you don't need, or livestock that's inappropriate for your setup.

Welcome to the site.

B