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View Full Version : I don't like the growth I see..........


chunders
02/07/2018, 07:46 PM
Guys, need your help. I think this hobby has suckered me. haha


90 gallon reef tank with a 30 gallon fuge
Running protein skimmer which doesn't pull out as great of quantity and darkness like I seen some photos of some doing.
GFO.
Dose 30 ml of vinegar 3x a day
Dose 6ml of Seachem Reef Plus 1x a week
Dose 6ml of Seachem Reef trace 1x a week
Dose 10ml phytoplankton daily
Weekly water changes with RODI unit and Instant Ocean
Feed mysis, brine every 2 days.
Feed flakes daily.


Levels

Salinity 1.026
Temp 78 F
Calcium 340
Magnesium 1500, maybe slightly higher
Alkalinity 12dkh


Corals

Torch coral - really has not shown growth over the last year
trumpet coral - probably get 2 heads a month
pulsing xenia- this has stayed about the same
green star polyp - great growth, every month its just taking over
green polyp duncan- great growth
zoanthids - all of them are growing great few heads a month
gold tip hammer - lost in the last year
doughnut coral - this barely opens, has been same nickel size for year
toadstool - was huge, like 3 inch diameter for the last year, then in the last month, it slowly fell apart, and now i have a nickel size.
green birdsnest sps - great growth
brain coral - very little growth
mushroom coral - that thing left me in a month
acropora??- turned brown, very little color. good growth though.



Fish invert

2 x blood red shrimp
fox face
kole tang
coral beauty
pajama cardinal
5 x blue chromis
various red and blue crabs
Few snails
coral shrimp
benny
firefish


I have alot of detritus in the refugium and on the DT crushed coral bed. I can move a stick through the crush coral and it gets cloudy fast. I siphoned the best I can twice in 3 months. Is this normal?

Chateo DOES NOT grow. I have two simple clip on lights per the forums, running opposite of DT.

Carbon- I started with Vodka, and then switched over the vinegar. Vodka created weird stringly things at time, clogged the pipes, and screwed up flow. Big buildup in pipes. After switching to vinegar, I didn't see this issue. Been dosing the same amoount for few weeks, but not sure what my limit is. I can tell you one thing, I have no algae.

Can I add more fish or am I maxed?

Aptasia attack. I have so many that prop up. I use aptasia X every 2 weeks. The corner reef tank area has alot in there that I cant even get rid of.

What can I do about the coral growth?

I bought all these supplements for mg, calcium and alk but never use them because it appears I am maxed. Any feedback greatly appreciated. I am not happy with the coral growth overall.

chunders
02/07/2018, 07:53 PM
Leveled continued

Nitrate - 0-1 ppm
Nitrite - 0 ppm
Ph - 7.4 or less? Color was strange.
Ammonia - 0ppm

slief
02/07/2018, 08:00 PM
A couple things. First, you didn’t mention what skimmer you have. You don’t have much of a fish load so if your skimmer is oversized, it might struggle to keep a foam head.

You didn’t mention the age of your tank. You didn’t mention Po4 levels. Your nitrates are really low and if your Po4 levels are low, that would explain the lack of growth in your cheato. Also, most of the corals you mentioned are soft corals which prefer high nutrients and use those nutrients for growth.

Your Alk is kind of high for most of the corals you mentioned, your Ca is low and your pH (assuming 7.4 is correct) is VERY low.

chunders
02/07/2018, 08:35 PM
A couple things. First, you didn’t mention what skimmer you have. You don’t have much of a fish load so if your skimmer is oversized, it might struggle to keep a foam head.

You didn’t mention the age of your tank. You didn’t mention Po4 levels. Your nitrates are really low and if your Po4 levels are low, that would explain the lack of growth in your cheato. Also, most of the corals you mentioned are soft corals which prefer high nutrients and use those nutrients for growth.

Your Alk is kind of high for most of the corals you mentioned, your Ca is low and your pH (assuming 7.4 is correct) is VERY low.


Hey! Thank you for your response.

The skimmer I have is a Reef Octopus 110int 5 years old or so. It has a foam head but I always have to tinker with the thing, then few days later it drained out the water into the bucket. Don't get me wrong, I do get dark build up, crud, just not to the levels that others have experienced.

I just realized.. I don't own a phosphate test..

PH I think could be lower than 7.4. Maybe 5? The apex neptune needs calibration, just installed it a few days back. I was under the impression it was low because of the dosing of vinegar.

What do you think I should do next steps to get the levels I need?

top shelf
02/07/2018, 09:00 PM
Don't lower your pH any further then what it is but yes vinegar dosing I believe can lower it. However I wouldn't chase pH as you will likely do more harm then good. Personally don't even own a pH test. pH is related to the amount of co2 in your tank and it's ability to buffer alkalinity. Could be a lack of gas exchange, try pointing a powerhead at the surface but your skimmer should be helping with that already. Or could be a build up of co2 in your house. During winter months houses are more closed up and doesn't allow for as much co2 to escape and it builds up affecting our tanks.

To lower levels and raise calcium mix a fresh batch of salt with rodi and test levels. If your salt mix already reads high in mag and alk then you'll want to change to a salt with levels closer to nsw otherwise you'll just keep raising them with each water change. If alk is closer to 8-9 and mag 1350 large wc will bring them down. Raising calc requires the same process. Test a fresh batch mixed to 1.026 if low you can easily buffer up to 440 and do wc to bring it back within the range of 420-440.

slief
02/07/2018, 09:01 PM
Hey! Thank you for your response.

The skimmer I have is a Reef Octopus 110int 5 years old or so. It has a foam head but I always have to tinker with the thing, then few days later it drained out the water into the bucket. Don't get me wrong, I do get dark build up, crud, just not to the levels that others have experienced.

I just realized.. I don't own a phosphate test..

PH I think could be lower than 7.4. Maybe 5? The apex neptune needs calibration, just installed it a few days back. I was under the impression it was low because of the dosing of vinegar.

What do you think I should do next steps to get the levels I need?

Your skimmer will only produce skimmate for the amount of DOC’s available and you don’t have a huge load.

I would get that probe calibrated. If your pH is truly 7.4, that’s really low. 7.7 is about as low as I would ever go without sounding alarms and even that would be a bit low for most people’s liking. 8.0 is a much better target. Mine ranges from 7.9 - 8.1. You need to get the pH up so get the probe calibrated and if it’s that low, add some pH buffer.

Given your fish load, I don’t know why you would be dosing vinegar. To me that makes no sense because some nitrates is a good thing contrary to what some will tell you. If it were me, I wouldn’t even consider dosing carbon sources with a load like that. As such, I would cut back on the dosing and ween yourself off of it unless there is a good reason in your case which I’ve yet to hear. You didn’t mention how long your system has been up.

I think you should get your calcium levels up to 425-450.. if it were me, I’d target lower alk levels. I prefer alk levels under 9 personally and anywhere between 7.5 and 9 is where I’d target as long as they are consistent. If you had an SPS only tank, then maybe a bit higher but that’s just me.

Get a Hanna HI736 ULR phosphorus tester. That is the best ultra low range tester and it’s cheap enough. The Hanna HI713 phosphate tester isn’t accurate in our range so avoid it. Color based testers are hard to read and as such, not precise. For alk and Ca testing, I recommend Salifert test kits. Red Sea Pro aren’t bad either but I prefer Salifert.

Oh and 1500 Mg is on the high side. I would be aiming for 1350.

That said, ANY changes you make should be done slowly over the course of several days or more. Nothing good happens in this hobby fast.

chunders
02/07/2018, 10:09 PM
Don't lower your pH any further then what it is but yes vinegar dosing I believe can lower it. However I wouldn't chase pH as you will likely do more harm then good. Personally don't even own a pH test. pH is related to the amount of co2 in your tank and it's ability to buffer alkalinity. Could be a lack of gas exchange, try pointing a powerhead at the surface but your skimmer should be helping with that already. Or could be a build up of co2 in your house. During winter months houses are more closed up and doesn't allow for as much co2 to escape and it builds up affecting our tanks.

To lower levels and raise calcium mix a fresh batch of salt with rodi and test levels. If your salt mix already reads high in mag and alk then you'll want to change to a salt with levels closer to nsw otherwise you'll just keep raising them with each water change. If alk is closer to 8-9 and mag 1350 large wc will bring them down. Raising calc requires the same process. Test a fresh batch mixed to 1.026 if low you can easily buffer up to 440 and do wc to bring it back within the range of 420-440.



OK I will leave the ph alone. I can ween off the vinegar to indirectly increase PH? Gas exchange is happening from skimmer, and I also have the pipe from the tank pouring into the refugium breaking the water. Tank is in basement. Winter in Chicago.

For calcium can I just dose it with my autodoser?

chunders
02/07/2018, 10:11 PM
Your skimmer will only produce skimmate for the amount of DOC’s available and you don’t have a huge load.

I would get that probe calibrated. If your pH is truly 7.4, that’s really low. 7.7 is about as low as I would ever go without sounding alarms and even that would be a bit low for most people’s liking. 8.0 is a much better target. Mine ranges from 7.9 - 8.1. You need to get the pH up so get the probe calibrated and if it’s that low, add some pH buffer.

Given your fish load, I don’t know why you would be dosing vinegar. To me that makes no sense because some nitrates is a good thing contrary to what some will tell you. If it were me, I wouldn’t even consider dosing carbon sources with a load like that. As such, I would cut back on the dosing and ween yourself off of it unless there is a good reason in your case which I’ve yet to hear. You didn’t mention how long your system has been up.

I think you should get your calcium levels up to 425-450.. if it were me, I’d target lower alk levels. I prefer alk levels under 9 personally and anywhere between 7.5 and 9 is where I’d target as long as they are consistent. If you had an SPS only tank, then maybe a bit higher but that’s just me.

Get a Hanna HI736 ULR phosphorus tester. That is the best ultra low range tester and it’s cheap enough. The Hanna HI713 phosphate tester isn’t accurate in our range so avoid it. Color based testers are hard to read and as such, not precise. For alk and Ca testing, I recommend Salifert test kits. Red Sea Pro aren’t bad either but I prefer Salifert.

Oh and 1500 Mg is on the high side. I would be aiming for 1350.

That said, ANY changes you make should be done slowly over the course of several days or more. Nothing good happens in this hobby fast.


AH yes, the tank has been running for 18 months. Yeah the PH is low but I thought that is the side effect from vinegar dosing.

I didn't realize I can put more fish I was told I was at my limit. So I can add another double?

I started dosing carbon because of the algae I was getting. But maybe I reduce 5 ml a day and see if the PH levels?

How can I bring alk down? and MG down?

chunders
02/07/2018, 10:16 PM
Your skimmer will only produce skimmate for the amount of DOC’s available and you don’t have a huge load.

I would get that probe calibrated. If your pH is truly 7.4, that’s really low. 7.7 is about as low as I would ever go without sounding alarms and even that would be a bit low for most people’s liking. 8.0 is a much better target. Mine ranges from 7.9 - 8.1. You need to get the pH up so get the probe calibrated and if it’s that low, add some pH buffer.

Given your fish load, I don’t know why you would be dosing vinegar. To me that makes no sense because some nitrates is a good thing contrary to what some will tell you. If it were me, I wouldn’t even consider dosing carbon sources with a load like that. As such, I would cut back on the dosing and ween yourself off of it unless there is a good reason in your case which I’ve yet to hear. You didn’t mention how long your system has been up.

I think you should get your calcium levels up to 425-450.. if it were me, I’d target lower alk levels. I prefer alk levels under 9 personally and anywhere between 7.5 and 9 is where I’d target as long as they are consistent. If you had an SPS only tank, then maybe a bit higher but that’s just me.

Get a Hanna HI736 ULR phosphorus tester. That is the best ultra low range tester and it’s cheap enough. The Hanna HI713 phosphate tester isn’t accurate in our range so avoid it. Color based testers are hard to read and as such, not precise. For alk and Ca testing, I recommend Salifert test kits. Red Sea Pro aren’t bad either but I prefer Salifert.

Oh and 1500 Mg is on the high side. I would be aiming for 1350.

That said, ANY changes you make should be done slowly over the course of several days or more. Nothing good happens in this hobby fast.


Also I do have the PH buffer I could start adding. So maybe ween off vingear while also adding buffer,.

fishresponse
02/07/2018, 11:50 PM
What lights do you have? Also, I would be careful adding any pH buffer as it will increase your alk even more. Adding 2 part alk and calcium is ideal. I would do a water change to help balance the levels. Then test again and start your 2 part. I use ESV. You don’t need to add more fish. Feeding more will increase your bio load as well causing nitrate and phosphate increases. And you can control how much you feed. Adding another fish would mean more food and of course more bioload. Do you spot feed your corals? That can help with growth. Regarding your brown sps coral, I’m assuming it’s because of higher phosphate.

mcgyvr
02/08/2018, 06:00 AM
Do not use GFO unless you have a real phosphate problem.. Doing so blindly is a big mistake..

Do not mess with your ph.. I have zero faith that you can measure it accurately so all I will say is stop looking at ph.. Do not add a ph buffer either..
Let ph be what its going to be..

Corals need stable/proper water parameters and you don't seem to be aware of how to achieve that so I would suggest spending time learning more
Start here..
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.php

If you have been using GFO and carbon dosing then its very possible that you have stripped much of the phosphate from the water and as such would have growth problems as both nitrates and phosphates are nutrients necessary for proper growth.
Its like fertilizer for your grass.. Too much and you burn out the grass.. Too little and it grows weak/slow/full of weeds..

Its also not a good idea to dose anything or use products intended to alter something without knowing your current levels and how that product is effecting them..
aka don't dose what you can't test for.. With weekly water changes its highly unlikely that a trace element liquid is necessary.. Your new saltwater will replenish all the trace elements needed..

ReefkeeperZ
02/08/2018, 06:46 AM
calcium is a little low that will definitely slow down growth of any coral requiring calcium I would shoot for abut 400-450, and KH is really high 8.8 is a good level to shoot for with that.

ReefkeeperZ
02/08/2018, 06:51 AM
heres a handy quick reference guide I use when my brain cramps up and can't remember what I am doing (happens more and more every year)
https://www.reefcleaners.org/target-parameters-for-a-saltwater-aquarium

Timfish
02/08/2018, 07:27 AM
+1 on PO4 is too low.

Here's some experiements done with corals in a ULN system. PO4 deficiency really messes up the coral/zooxanthellae simbiosis

http://www.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/files/file/Nutrient%20enrichment.pdf
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2015.00103/full
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X17301601?via%3Dihub

And here's a video by Fichard Ross ar MACNA 2014 on phosphate:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRIKW-9d2xI


(Here's a mole/gram converter if needed:
https://www.chemicalaid.com/tools/moletogram.php?formula=PO4&weight=&moles= )

FoxFace Fish
02/08/2018, 09:51 AM
tbh I don't like the growth I see in my tank but that is life

HBtank
02/08/2018, 10:25 AM
Be careful of “use it all syndrome”, it’s fun adding new gadgets/additives and trying to solve problems, but you can do the opposite (and strip your tank too much or overdose). Something like running GFO all the time is a red flag to me on new tanks for this “syndrome”.

Have a clear goal for every piece of equipment (or additive) and don’t be afraid to cut back to raise nutrients, stabilize, to see how things respond.

chunders
02/08/2018, 11:42 PM
What lights do you have? Also, I would be careful adding any pH buffer as it will increase your alk even more. Adding 2 part alk and calcium is ideal. I would do a water change to help balance the levels. Then test again and start your 2 part. I use ESV. You don’t need to add more fish. Feeding more will increase your bio load as well causing nitrate and phosphate increases. And you can control how much you feed. Adding another fish would mean more food and of course more bioload. Do you spot feed your corals? That can help with growth. Regarding your brown sps coral, I’m assuming it’s because of higher phosphate.

hello. This is the light I have.
https://www.amazon.com/Programmable-LED-Aquarium-Light-Fixture/dp/B00ECHISKQ/ref=br_lf_m_qj9ehynzf4b76g7_img?_encoding=UTF8&s=pet-supplies

I occasionally spot feed the corals. I wasn't sure why the brown sps coral was that way, and the birdsnest was doing very well, and the zoas as well. This growth was not there when I didn't carbon dose.

chunders
02/08/2018, 11:44 PM
Do not use GFO unless you have a real phosphate problem.. Doing so blindly is a big mistake..

Do not mess with your ph.. I have zero faith that you can measure it accurately so all I will say is stop looking at ph.. Do not add a ph buffer either..
Let ph be what its going to be..

Corals need stable/proper water parameters and you don't seem to be aware of how to achieve that so I would suggest spending time learning more
Start here..
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.php

If you have been using GFO and carbon dosing then its very possible that you have stripped much of the phosphate from the water and as such would have growth problems as both nitrates and phosphates are nutrients necessary for proper growth.
Its like fertilizer for your grass.. Too much and you burn out the grass.. Too little and it grows weak/slow/full of weeds..

Its also not a good idea to dose anything or use products intended to alter something without knowing your current levels and how that product is effecting them..
aka don't dose what you can't test for.. With weekly water changes its highly unlikely that a trace element liquid is necessary.. Your new saltwater will replenish all the trace elements needed..

Thank you for the article, will review.

I think if I could dose and not water change that would be great. I was doign that, but about a month ago I introduced the water changes. 20%.

The tank again was running 16 months now.

chunders
02/08/2018, 11:46 PM
heres a handy quick reference guide I use when my brain cramps up and can't remember what I am doing (happens more and more every year)
https://www.reefcleaners.org/target-parameters-for-a-saltwater-aquarium

Thanks will review!

+1 on PO4 is too low.

Here's some experiements done with corals in a ULN system. PO4 deficiency really messes up the coral/zooxanthellae simbiosis

http://www.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/files/file/Nutrient%20enrichment.pdf
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2015.00103/full
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X17301601?via%3Dihub

And here's a video by Fichard Ross ar MACNA 2014 on phosphate:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRIKW-9d2xI


(Here's a mole/gram converter if needed:
https://www.chemicalaid.com/tools/moletogram.php?formula=PO4&weight=&moles= )

Will review those articles thank you!

Be careful of “use it all syndrome”, it’s fun adding new gadgets/additives and trying to solve problems, but you can do the opposite (and strip your tank too much or overdose). Something like running GFO all the time is a red flag to me on new tanks for this “syndrome”.

Have a clear goal for every piece of equipment (or additive) and don’t be afraid to cut back to raise nutrients, stabilize, to see how things respond.

Damn those gadgets. What is considered new?

calcium is a little low that will definitely slow down growth of any coral requiring calcium I would shoot for abut 400-450, and KH is really high 8.8 is a good level to shoot for with that.

chunders
02/08/2018, 11:47 PM
I reduced to 30ml of vinegar starting tomorrow, did 45 today, will keep reducing until I am done.

GFO I stopped this evening as well.

Excited to see where these changes go.

chunders
02/18/2018, 10:12 PM
Here is where I am at today.

Have not run GFO.
Have not dosed vinegar.

My levels went up in a few areas, some shot up.

Nitrate - 30-40
Nitrite - 0ppppm
ph - 7.4
Alkalinity - 143ppm
magnesium 1500
calcium 400ppm
phosphate 1.0

The nitrate used to be 0... GFO and vinegar shut off made it jump.

So what do you guys think I need to focus on and improve level wise?

alton
02/19/2018, 06:06 AM
You will need to moderate the amount of dosing to get your nitrates down to 2 to 10 ppm. And also your phosphates slightly. Birdsnest and GSP are very low light so beg or borrow a PAR meter to check on your light levels to help with the rest of your coral. On your light do you have 2 x 16" or one 32"?

chunders
02/19/2018, 07:20 PM
You will need to moderate the amount of dosing to get your nitrates down to 2 to 10 ppm. And also your phosphates slightly. Birdsnest and GSP are very low light so beg or borrow a PAR meter to check on your light levels to help with the rest of your coral. On your light do you have 2 x 16" or one 32"?

I figured it is only a matter of time I started dosing, just starting fresh and getting the right level.

I have one large light shown below as attachment

chunders
02/19/2018, 07:33 PM
Here are some photos of my tank and progress. It looks the same as when I was dosing alot few weeks back.

This is what it looks like now.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1UGl6-We_2-CtxrY4mhqz_LVISwF3psLo



https://drive.google.com/open?id=1QrbWEgJXmzRlHAH5qye7xVSAI2rzoPBZ

https://drive.google.com/open?id=190VHc2ZrSm4KVKOO_PZ_XM4CdzFbpok4

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1ifeyE-aPtiDeJ0joDwWmq1IYXTwEaPL6

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1rboorzyzd3iYLpNl3IHnh7p18JWL90p7


https://drive.google.com/open?id=1zBSre6XMWKlgmDSXFcwZ7kQuwTfLIS3M

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1pXBJVOMk4K-afHTjKdpQFLDC1yFYA4Jn

chunders
02/21/2018, 10:29 PM
Corals all look the same. have not re-started dosing of vinegar yet. gfo still off. ph shows 7.4

Oiler3535
02/21/2018, 11:27 PM
I know some people say to let pH be, but 7.4 seems really low. Oceans are about 8.1 and with climate change, they used to be slightly higher. Even at just below 8.1 corals in the wild start dying in droves. Obviously a tank isn’t the ocean so not exactly comparable. But still, 7.4 is really far below.

chunders
02/22/2018, 05:59 AM
I know some people say to let pH be, but 7.4 seems really low. Oceans are about 8.1 and with climate change, they used to be slightly higher. Even at just below 8.1 corals in the wild start dying in droves. Obviously a tank isn’t the ocean so not exactly comparable. But still, 7.4 is really far below.


I am not sure why.. I thought it was vinegar overdose.. so I wheened that off. GFO off as well.

chunders
02/22/2018, 06:03 AM
I have to add my tank is in my basement. I also have glass tops on the tank, and the refugium has partial glass top.

BrettDS
02/22/2018, 07:12 PM
Low pH can be caused by poor gas exchange (which can be exasperated by the glass tops) and/or high levels of CO2 in your home. You can test for this fairly easily with a cup, a small air pump, and an air stone. Take a cup of your tank water and put it next to your tank. Put the airstone in it with the air pump running for about 30 minutes and then measure the pH of the water in the cup. If it’s significantly higher than the pH of the water in your tank, then your tank isn’t getting enough gas exchange.

If the pH hasn’t gone up significantly, then take the cup and the air pump and put them outside and let it run for another 30 minutes, then test the pH again. If it’s gone up this time, then it’s likely caused by high levels of CO2 in your house. If this is the case you may be able to help with the pH levels in your tank by running your skimmer’s air intake to the outside.

chunders
02/23/2018, 09:43 PM
Ahh
My brain coral is melting. Is half the size
Torch coral starting to get small exposed skeleton

Phosphate 1.0 and nitrate 20ppm

Not sure if i should vinegar dose again or gfo

chunders
02/23/2018, 11:01 PM
Low pH can be caused by poor gas exchange (which can be exasperated by the glass tops) and/or high levels of CO2 in your home. You can test for this fairly easily with a cup, a small air pump, and an air stone. Take a cup of your tank water and put it next to your tank. Put the airstone in it with the air pump running for about 30 minutes and then measure the pH of the water in the cup. If it’s significantly higher than the pH of the water in your tank, then your tank isn’t getting enough gas exchange.

If the pH hasn’t gone up significantly, then take the cup and the air pump and put them outside and let it run for another 30 minutes, then test the pH again. If it’s gone up this time, then it’s likely caused by high levels of CO2 in your house. If this is the case you may be able to help with the pH levels in your tank by running your skimmer’s air intake to the outside.

I took the 3 jebao pumps and pointed them upwards, disrupting the top of the water so lightly. Measured PH, and it is 8.2-8.4.
is that even possible?

zachogden
02/24/2018, 02:49 AM
I took the 3 jebao pumps and pointed them upwards, disrupting the top of the water so lightly. Measured PH, and it is 8.2-8.4.
is that even possible?

Possible? Sure. A pH of 7.4 (call it +/- 0.2 with kit and interpretation error) is very very low and probably indicates, as others said, poor gas exchange as well as a reduced buffering capacity in your water. If I were you I'd ditch the glass tops and keep at least one of the powerheads pointed up for a week or so and see what happens. Try and just change one variable at a time, i.e. don't adjust vinegar, GFO, feeding, light schedule, powerheads, etc all at once.

If you need a top for jumping fish, consider a mesh or screen top.

edit: also, try and test your pH around the same time of day if possible. pH swings lower overnight...my tank goes from 8.2 during the day to 8.0 at night as measured by my probe

chunders
02/24/2018, 08:01 AM
Possible? Sure. A pH of 7.4 (call it +/- 0.2 with kit and interpretation error) is very very low and probably indicates, as others said, poor gas exchange as well as a reduced buffering capacity in your water. If I were you I'd ditch the glass tops and keep at least one of the powerheads pointed up for a week or so and see what happens. Try and just change one variable at a time, i.e. don't adjust vinegar, GFO, feeding, light schedule, powerheads, etc all at once.

If you need a top for jumping fish, consider a mesh or screen top.

edit: also, try and test your pH around the same time of day if possible. pH swings lower overnight...my tank goes from 8.2 during the day to 8.0 at night as measured by my probe


Thank you for the feedback.

I put glass covers over 75% of the refugium about 2 months ago. I think I will start there by removing those and seeing how the water changes.

But my questions is why the coral brain looks flattened in some areas on the other edge, fused with the rock, and half the size.

I am trying to understand if that is a high nitrate, or high phosphate or even ph issue.

chunders
02/24/2018, 03:25 PM
So my ph is 8.0. All I did was change the 2 jebao peacemakers to point up a s cause a ripple at the top of water.

One of my corals starting to show skeleton.
Nitrate 50ppm
Phosphate 1ppm

Just started gfo

Let's see what happens

gatf4
03/05/2018, 10:08 PM
If you can try and run an airline from outside to your skimmer intake and see if that helps even more with the PH.

Didn't you mention you had an APex and were tracking PH all the time now?