Optimizing My SPS Color?

[Bacchus_fl]

Hello,

Wanted to get some feedback on how to impove and maintain optimal color intesity in SPS corals. I'm not sure if there is something I should be supplemeting or testing for that I'm not currently.

I feel like I have already addressed the main reasons for color and growth. You will see most of my equipment listed in my signature and my parameters listed below. My corals are very healthy and growth rates are great but some of my corals, exclusively my SPS, seem to be pale in color but not brown. I know the typical cause for browning is PO4 but I am running a very low nutrient system by using a PO4 reactor and dosing vodka.

Here are my parameters: (all using Salifert test except PH which is by Apex probe)

I test frequently a min of twice a week for the big 3
SG: 1.025
Temp: 78.5-81.5
PH: 7.9-8.1
Ca: 460
Alk: 9-10 dKH
Mg: 1280
PO4: Not Detected
NO3: Not Detected

Current Dosing:

1mL of Vodka Daily
Calcium Reactor including NeoMag
Kalk as needed
Alk portion of 2 part as needed
Use Reef Crystals Salt Mix (50G water change every 2 weeks)
2 Filter Socks replaced every week

Lighting: (all bulbs 6 mo old)

3 400W MH - 14K Hamiltons on 5 Hours 2:30-7:30pm
2 160W VHO - URI Atinic on 9.5 Hours 12-9:30pm
LED Strip Moonlights

I read a few of Randy's articles on reef chemistry which were very informative and have helped me greatly in maintianing a healthy well balanced system but I didn't see how any of the key parameters related to color.

Let me know if you need any additional information. Would love to hear how you are bringing out the best in your corals!

Thanks in advance for your feedback!

J

[tibob32]

I started carbon dosing only recently, so take this for what its worth. Isn't 1ml vodka for a 180g too little to really optimize the benefits?

on another note: amino acids could help

[smokenax]

up your feeding, fishpoop is great