Re: Sargassum trigger fish in trouble 7/5/05
Unfortunately, we lost all of our fish.<Sorry to hear that.> Good news is
we think we know what went wrong. Looks like Oxygen levels became a problem which cause the stress that allowed secondary problems to emerge. A very harsh lesson to learn, especially as it cost the life of these beautiful animals. <Yes indeed>
We are allowing the tank to stay empty for at least 30
days just in case. We do have some snails and hermit
crabs that are doing well. <Good>
We have a 46gal tank with a Penguin 350 bio filter,
and 1 aqua clear powerhead rated for a 70 gal. tank.
My question is how can we better oxygenate the water
here in the mile high city of Denver?
What can we do or change?  I've heard switching to a
sump filter (Is that the same as a wet/dry filter?) or
adding a protein skimmer. <I'd start with making sure you have at least 460 gallons per hour of circulation.  A wet/dry would be the best way of improving your oxygen levels.  The bio balls in the sump breaks the water down that allows for near 100% oxygen saturation.  If you have an air pump you could drill a hole the size of the airline tubing and put the line in the bio ball chamber.>
By the way I was looking at the articles on the
website and the one on aeration is blank. Just thought
you should know. <I'll pass this on to Mr. Fenner.> <<Is yet another, as yet unwritten article/place holder for a FAQs file. RMF>>
Thanks for your help. <You're welcome, James (Salty Dog)>
Jeri