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View Full Version : dying corals - ready to give up


spragro1
02/09/2007, 09:52 AM
my devils hand turned black and melted overnite - my long tentacled plate which is 2 weeks old has developed a pie shaped dead spot and my brain coral is showing its skeleton in places - water parameters are perfect - have them on the bottom of the tank under 2 400w MH - have a couple of tangs/ crabs and an urchin -plus assorted snails - i give up - what is going on - corals seem to die on me constantly.

Sk8r
02/09/2007, 10:03 AM
Readings s/b: 0 ammonia, nitrite, nitrate.
Low phosphate best. [0 film algae growth]
Alk dkh 8.3
Calcium 400-450
Sal: 1.025.
You will also have a happier tank if you don't mix softies [devils hand] with stonies [plate and brain]. There are chemical warfare issues, and the wrong one downstream can really suffer.
HTH.

gflat65
02/09/2007, 07:07 PM
What size tank? LPS and softies typically like lower light and 400W is quite a bit. Some will tolerate quite a bit, but most seem to do fine under low-med light.

dendro982
02/11/2007, 09:16 PM
Really strange... What test kits are you using? For such reaction there should be pretty high ammonia or toxins (if somebody toxic died in the tank). Or temperature 72F.
Or you may try another corals, cheap and very hardy, like candycane, green star polyps, xenia (can't add mushrooms - they are more picky, IMHE). If there will be sale on scolymia - too. Even hammers and frogspawn can be good.
If the same repeats with these corals - you should try AP or Salifert test kits (you may already using them), what color is your sandbed (if you have it), picture could help to see what is going on.

IPowderBlueTang
02/12/2007, 03:12 AM
Too much lighting, I have brains in NO lighting and they are all plump and if I put them in my 400 MH tank they shrink up and stay that way. 800 watts most lkely you are burning your corals!

Rockitmakr
02/12/2007, 06:37 AM
Agreed with the above, too much lighting,IMHO.
:beer:

bitis316
02/12/2007, 12:01 PM
If you have 800 watts on a 52 bowfront you are scorching those guys......NEVER GIVE UP....Patients, Patients, Patients....The number on rule of the at home reef......Listen to these guys, they will help you get through your problems...That's why everyone is one here to learn, and help others who need to learn...Trading advice to help educate everyone....

RokleM
02/12/2007, 06:37 PM
I would agree, you have way too much lighting. I have 2 250's and 2 39w T5's on a 58 and I feel like I'm pushing it.