Problem with coral growth and life and seem to be doing all correct...hmmmm

[JLAudio]

Ok I set up this 125 from previous tanks that go back some 5 years. Initially when I set it up, I used half tap water (6 months ago), and followed with large water changes (20 gallons)every few days with RODI. Tank was doing good all corals fine. As of late I strictly use RODI and seem to have zoos that dont open shrooms not spreading, just dont get it.

-I do 5-10 gallon RODI w/c a week
-Nitrates test close to 0 on a AP test kit
-Have a phos reactor running with phosban and chemipure elite together
-running an OCT 160 skimmer on it
-I have a fuge with chaeto
-There is very little algae in tank making me think it isnt phos or nitrates or the algae would increase
- I run a small UV on tank (I wonder if this could be hurting coral growth)
-I had T5 lighting, now upgraded to PC/MH 150 lighting

I dont dose the tank currently, so wonder if this could be the problem. All the ammonia, nitrites and ph are in proper levels

Right now the only think I suspect is, the 1) UV 2) Not dosing 3) Need to change RODI filters (testing TDS in tank and in top off tonight), 4) tank definitly needs more flow, only a Koralia 3 and a tunze 6045, but doubt this would keep zoos from opening and mushrooms from dying. besides that im baffled

any thoughts?

 

[Dre]

I'm not an expert but i had a similar problem.Try turning off the U.V it maybe getting rid of too much dissolve organics.I took my U.V off my reef tank years ago.
Do you feed your corals ?Some corals do better in high nutrient water so maybe you are removing too much. Check your iodine and move them to an area with less light.

 

[JLAudio]

Not directly but do add a solution of cyclo, mysis, silversides, in garlic and water once a week or so

 

[aznt1217]

We'll see what happens later. You shouldn't have to dose for zoos and mushrooms.

I have a Koralia 4 I can trade with you for the 3.

 

[Dre]

What's the name of that solution?

 

[mckostya]

how old are the bulbs on your lights?

 

[prattreef]

You say you don't dose anything, what are your Alk, Ca. and Mag levels? Also when is the lat time you calibrated your refractometer properly?

 

[JLAudio]

You say you don't dose anything, what are your Alk, Ca. and Mag levels? Also when is the lat time you calibrated your refractometer properly?

I actually use a hydromoter.

Besides that after good friend ANTZ came through I realized a few things, that it could be

1)Salinity 1.022 a bit low
2) Nitrates were .40, I was using an old kit that migh have accounted for off results
3) Added more flow trying to kill dead spots.

Im going to do a 20% wc this weekend, bringing down trates wile bringing CAL, ALK and Mag back to normal and will test after that

 

[michaelp]

How long are your lights on for?

Did you see the tanks at pratt? The caretaker basically said the only thing he does is leave the MH on for 11 hrs a day (not recommending you do that, but it's clear that lighting has a LOT more to do with growth than dosing with chemicals, or even food).

 

[mckostya]

did you miss dosing 300ml 2 part everyday into that 8' tank ?? :splitspin

How long are your lights on for?

Did you see the tanks at pratt? The caretaker basically said the only thing he does is leave the MH on for 11 hrs a day (not recommending you do that, but it's clear that lighting has a LOT more to do with growth than dosing with chemicals, or even food).

 

[HHaase]

I would also wonder about the UV sterilizer as well, I can't see them being very friendly to any phytoplankton in the water column.

 

[sjsoto]

i only turn on uv when having problems...

 

[Awibrandy]

J, are they in a high flow area? In my experience neither like high flow directed at them.
Not sure about this, but; since my disaster with a heater I haven't replaced my phos & carbon reactors and all my corals are looking BETTER then ever.....

 

[AnthonyAce]

Rodi

How old are your RODI filters? They need to be changed at min. every 6 months. If your water quality from the tap is not great than the filters need to be changed more often.

 

[jaymo]

Hi I'm no expert but if it was me I would put a little iodine in the tank you will know if thats the problem in about 12 hours . Alos check your salinity mine did the same thing when I had my salinity to high