I went on Vacation.....my tank is out of whack

[Danielj]

While I was in California my wife called and told me the collection cup on the skimmer was stuck so she could not clean it out. I told her to unplug it and leave it until I got home (and limit feeding). Well she unplugged the chiller instead. To my surprise the back syphon action passed water though the chiller and it still worked!!!! The only issue is that the skimmer had been dumping the collected waste back into the system all week. My nitrates got to about 20. I cleaned the skimmer, turned it on, and will do a water change after work today.

The odd part is my Alkalinity is high. I do not remember the exact amount, but it was well above normal. How do I lower Alkalinity? I am planning on doing a big water change right after work, is there anything esle I should do? Will high alkalinity damage anything? So far everything still looked healthy. TIA

 

[gmax]

ALK will come down on its own as the system uses the carbonate for skeletal growth. I would do nothing unless you are getting readings above 12 DKH after the water change.

 

[Curtis]

When will you people learn.

Once you get into the hobby, you can't go on vacations anymore.

:lol:

Kurt

 

[pineappleface]

Impressive... My wife makes me take her if I go on vacation

 

[stole2]

Looks like Frisco is becoming populated with more marine enthusiast so that might mean we could take vacation and tank sit for each other. :wink:

 

[Danielj]

@stole2 wrote:

How many of us are there? maybe a Frisco Tank Tour? Any of you guys are welcome over to chat about our tanks! And I would be willing to help out anyone near by with tank maintenance while they were out.

My wife did plan on going with me, but our dog had puppies, and they were too young to leave alone. My closest family is in Arlington, too far to drive 2x a day.