Bubble coral

[imataurus]

Clearly, I am incredibly stupid to think that my LFS would be giving me accurate information.... i have been reading these boards for literally hours looking for info on my tank, I am awe struck with how little (correct) info I was given to begin this!!!! So please, forgive my (possibly) redundant questions!!

i have a problem Im looking for some input on...i have a not so happy bubble coral. He is closed, so closed he is growing algae on him....btw should I clean that off?? still eats, and ocasionally opens up some, but nothing like he did in the beginning...
after a couple of weeks of this behavior I went and purchased a new (used) light, which has the lunar lights, and blue lights, and something else..I missed the part where he said what the lights were, all i heard was "this should help your bubble coral" ..in the two weeks since ive had this light there has been no improvement. I was told calcium testing, was unecessary, and that as long as I was doing frequent enough water changes, things would be fine...NOT :evil: everything else ie; nitrite nitrate, amonia and ph are good, salinity .020 and other than the bizarre behavior of my two clowns, fish are acting fine....I have a magnum filter, a powerhead, and a skilter for a 100 gal on a 75 gal tank....tank has been up only 8 mo....so whats next??

 

[trido]

Im a newb here but my first thought would be that your salinity seems low. Most here keep it at 1.026 MY LFS keeps their fish at 1.019-1.021 only because parasites dont do as well at low levels. They keep thier corals at 1.023-1.025. Also you prbabaly need to increase circulation. For a 75 you should be pumping at least 1500 GPH for 20x circulation. I hear 30x is better...

good luck

 

[Anonymous]

My opinion agrees with Trido.

I'd also suggest you get good Alkalinity and Calcium tests. Water changes are fine for replacing ALK and Calcium but it's good to verify that your parameters are not out of line.

Phosphate is also an enemy of skeleton building corals. Even though you do a lot of water changes, if the water you're using has Phosphate in it then you're going to have high levels of Phosphate. Are you using tap water to make your new saltwater?

 

[imataurus]

I am using tap, again on advise from LFS, and the salinity im so anal about is low...niiiiiiice. I feel like I need to start ALL over with different, reliable information. :x


Ill get to the store, and get those test kits, and see how they come out.
Based on this info, im also going to check out my tap water and see where thats at. thanks, im sure Ill be back.

 

[trido]

I would go to a different LFS if thats an option. A good one will tell you not to use tap water. Use RO/DI water only. Most here will tell you to get at least two good books and read read read. I have learned vast amounts just by reading for hours on end through these forums as well.

Another point. Reading through these forums ( I could be wrong here. Some old pro correct me if so. PLZ..)I have found that MH and florescent bulbs get old and aren't as effective after about a year. They will look fine to the naked eye, but in reality arenet giving your fish and corals what they need. You might want to ask the person you bought your hood from how old it is. Of course I'd worry about the other things first.