Need some help, big time

[Weicowireman]

Hey Guys,
Trying to get more growth up of my corals. Here are my parameters.
.25 to 1ppm phosphates
7.8-8.0 ph
480 ppm cal.
0 nitrates
0 nitrites
2.9-3.6 alk
Salinity 1.026
Temp is 78

I run 2x175watt halides with phoenix 14k bulbs (1-2months old). Picked up a tlf phosban running with phos lock for about 2 weeks. Was using instant ocean salt. Just mixed a batch using Red sea pro salt. Current salinity in the new batch is 1.024. Can I do a 20 gallon change with this salinity to lower my salinity to help my coral growth? What do you guys think?

 

[marrone]

Two questions, first what size tank do you have, second what type of corals are you keeping? Not sure why you want to lower your SG, as 1.026 is a good level.

 

[howze01]

What kind of corals are you trying to grow? What size tank? Can you test your Mag? What are you measuring the Alk with? Is that in DkH? If so, that is EXTREMELY low. Your phos is pretty high too.

 

[Weicowireman]

I have a 95 gallon with 20 gallon sump. I have Ricordias, mushrooms, green pocilliopora, brain coral, 1 huge elephant ear toadstool, frogspawn, some softies, bubble coral, zoas, polys. I am loosing a blue candy cane mini colony, a blue/purple gonapora, blue Monti is browning up.

 

[howze01]

Before you worry about anything else we need to know about your alk and what you used to test it and what units of measure it is. Like I said, if it's measured in dkh I'm surprised anything is alive, let alone growing.

 

[Widdy]

Chances are his alkalinity reading is in meq/l. 2.9 -3.6meq/l = 8.12 -10.08dKH.

+1 on high Phosphates. How is this being tested?

 

[Weicowireman]

The all is a red sea test kit with a colored range. Honestly it's so freaking hard reading this fin test. Measured in milli-equivalents of alkaline substances....

 

[Weicowireman]

Phosphates are measured by a salifert test. Mg/l (=ppm)

 

[howze01]

Ahhhhh. forgot about the meq/L!!!!!

So yeah, phosphates left still. What were the phosphate readings before you started the phos lock? They will need to come down some more.

 

[Weicowireman]

They were alot higher prior, I forgot the reading. Never wrote it down. Is there a better phosphate media I can use instead of phoslock or Should I add more phoslock?

 

[JimmyR1rider]

I use phos ban but a lot of people also use rowa phos. Bulk Reef Supply has some good stuff too. Good luck with it

 

[Weicowireman]

Ok. How about my other levels? Are they all good and with in range?

 

[1329eheim]

Sorry, double post.

 

[1329eheim]

I'd recommend reducing the phosphate level, if the test kit is accurate. Should be less than .04 ppm I think. I use BRS GFO and a Hanna phosphate checker. If I measure anything above 0 (not saying mine are 0 as any hobbyist test kit has a margin of error of .04 I think),I immediately change the GFO.

But if you?re not happy with the way the tank looks or the coral are growing, the problem may not be your water parameters (yet).

The rock and sand look green-tinged. Is that micro algae? If so, I'd REALLY focus on knocking down the phosphates. If not, I'd add some GAC to clarify the water, but would do so gradually so you don't bleach the coral.

Other issues you may want to consider:

It does not look like there is a lot of circulation in the tank, especially considering the volume of rock in the tank. One inexpensive way to address this is to add a few Maxijet 1200 powerheads on $10 timers. That will give you some nice (varied) flow on the cheap.

I?m not sure why you?re using a sponge filter on the powerhead. Unless you clean it at least once a day (and who does), I?d lose it as it will reduce flow and may increase nitrates.

The HOT protein skimmer looks undersized for your bioload. If you could swing it, I?d recommend you add an SWC or Reef Octopus cone skimmer to your sump. If you can?t, add a power filter crammed with BRS GAC and rinse the carbon every few days.

Speaking of bioload, two tangs and a foxface are likely too much for your tank now and almost certainly will be when they grow larger. I?d choose one and remove the other two. Keep the one that is most actively working over your rock.

Good luck!