[sanchoy]

CRASH course 101:

-heat (heater malfunction stuck on/or stuck off),
-lights (overexposure stuck on, or not working)
-chemicals (toxic, introduction into tank)
-parasites/diseases (infects fish, kills fish which kills corals)
-overdose (using too much chemicals killing corals/fish)

most crashes occur when the owner is away from his/her tank for an extended period of time (usually 2 days or more). Other times an automatic feature malfunctions causing an overdose/or underdose feature. Poor maintenance is also another factor that comes into play. An abused tank, over an extended period of time will eventually crash.

Personally, I suffered a major crash in 08 which wiped out my entire livestock. At the time I was away on a week vacation. I had a tank sitter that only visited once when I was away. The MH lights were stuck on due to a failed controller after a power outtage, which sent the temp into the upper 90's. My sitter stopped by on days and did not even realize the MH lights were on for 4 days straight with temps rising. The controller malfunctioned due to the power outage and did not shut off the lights.

To prevent a crash:
1.check your equipment (daily/ weekly)
2.check your parameters
3.quarantine fish/corals/live rocks before intro.
4.get a tank sitter (reliable one) when on vacation
5.wash your hands before/after
6.be patient, dont rush

Always remember murphys law "Anything that can go wrong will go wrong."