Hardware issues, 100 gal tank

[Jennifer_R]

All right. I need help.

100 gal cannot keep fish alive. Yes, I have hard water - but it's hard in ALL my tanks as well. PH levels, all tests (except hard water test) IS GREAT – not an issue. This isn't a new tank set-up. This isn't an old filter, or too new of a filter.

Take any fish dying out of my100gal tank, then stick it in ANY of the tanks I have - The FISH IS ALIVE LIKE NOTHING HAPPENED!

I think it’s hardware:

Lifeguard AF-92T Heater Module

Ocean Clear Pleated 40 Micron & Bio-core Filter Model 340

Lifeguard Quite One Silent Filter

AirTech 2K4


Not hardware??? Please inform me, I cannot keep loosing fish!

Maybe I need a water softener - great, what products do I use; (i.e. chemicals, filters, devices)?

Fill me in, please.
Thanks!

 

[Losi]

I live in a very hard water area and have a 120 gal tank. It has a fluval 304 filter, 2 lights and a tronic heater. I have not had anything like the problem you have described. I do use quite a bit of water conditioner and do a 20% water change every week with a good gravel clean up as well.

have you tested the water for ammonia, PH, nitrates, nitrites etc???

 

[Jennifer_R]

I would like to start using a water conditioner product. Do you have any recommendations?

Testing of pH, nitrates, ammonia, and hard water tests are done religiously (almost every day). Testing results are within standards, and often reveal better results when compared to the water at the IFS in my area. However, the test for Hard Water reveals bad results every time. My IFS also experiences hardness of their water; as the store and I receive the same water from the same local water system.

The natural precaution my IFS takes to relieve the troubles of hard water, is to use Bog Logs in all their display tanks. I have taken this advice, and there are several sizes of Bog Logs in my 100gal tank - and all my tanks. The Bog Logs have been residing in my tanks for months and have not solved the problem of hard water.

 

[Gman]

Since the fish you are keeping do alright in the other tanks even though the water is hard I would start looking at possible contaminates. If the tank has allways had this problem it could be in the silicone or possibly something that was added to the tank(decoration/plant) that is releasing something into the water.I hope this helps and that your tank gets a clean bill of health soon.

 

[freshmike]

I live in a very hard water area and have a 120 gal tank. It has a fluval 304 filter, 2 lights and a tronic heater. I have not had anything like the problem you have described. I do use quite a bit of water conditioner and do a 20% water change every week with a good gravel clean up as well.

have you tested the water for ammonia, PH, nitrates, nitrites etc???

You only have a 304 on a 120? ouch!!! 304's are only recommended for up to 70g's and that is only UP TO.....gonna need more....I have 2 404's on my 180 and that seems like not even enough to me.....well if it works for ya then it works, but.......

 

[Losi]

FAo Fresh Mike, I have just re entered my tank dimensions and I think I made a mistake with the volume....sorry

they are;

Results
Dimensions: 122cm L x 46cm W x 61cm H/48" L x 18" W x 24" H
Volume: 339 l./75 gal.
Volume after displacement: 305 l./67 gal.
Surface area: 0.56 sq m/6.00 sq ft


I think this is why the water is good quality with a 304. I am getting another one in the near future though!!

 

[kuter]

Jennifer, have you looked at all your decorations and inspected them closely? I am very new to fish keeping but I read a lot and have learned to ask lots of questions before making any decision regarding my tanks.

In an effort to cut down the cost of decorating tanks, we all look for cheap creative ways to do this. Some people have used childrens toys to decorate. No matter what you decide to do, if the object was not sold as a tank decoration, then you need to inspect it very closely! I am a grandmother of a 3 yr old boy and I can tell you there are toys that appear to be all plastic but many of them are secured by tiny metal screws or pins that are very hard to detect. Have you used any plastic plants that were from a craft store, etc.. A lot of those have metal inside the plastic stems. Another possible culprit is rocks gotten from your yard. Unless you're a bit of a rock hound and know the composition of the rocks in your area, I would be careful about that.

This may not be your problem at all but it was one possibility that I did not see addressed in this thread.

 

[Jennifer_R]

"kuter"

You have good points regarding tank decorations, and other members have recommended looking into decoration contaminates as well. My LFS (local fish store) has also recommended looking into the possible decoration contaminates.

Click here to view photos of my 100gal tank

I use LFS purchased decorations, and LSF purchased Bog Logs.

*The fish will do OK if they are acclimated to my tank through a lengthy process. The process is this:
1. Pre-sitting water in a 5gal tank. (this is the tank my feeder guppies are in).
2. Take out 50% of 5gal water, replace 50% with water directly from 100gal tank.
3. Place new (or reacting) fish into 5gal.
4. Daily 50% water changes with water directly from 100gal tank.
5. Wait a week.
6. Introduce fish to 100gal tank
**Only once have I had to do this twice with a fish.


I visited the LSF today and spent a lot of time talking with a very knowledgeable employee about all my issues. He recommended a few things:
1. Water changes every week.
2. Vacuum gravel.
3. Use Peat Moss in with the filer, OR Peat pellets in a nylon and float it in the tank.
4. Spend a lot of money on a water softener for the home.

Today I am in the process of doing all, but purchase a home water softener, as directed by the LFS.

I will keep you updated. I really appreciate your interests!