Can't seem to keep SPS

[Gtownguy487]

Ive had 3 different SPS die on me since my tanks been set up.. All other coral in my tank are fine and grow... My water parematers are great and my tank has been running for 7 months now.. I run a Current Nova Extreme T5 12 bulb 72" fixture.. i dont know if its the lighting or what.. ive heard that the stock bulbs that came with it my be one of my issues but i dont know.. Just looking for some advice.. Thanks

 

[Allmost]

hmm 12 bulbs are fine, more than fine Id say are they T5 HO ? or NO ? you can always get ATI or KZ bulbs for higher PAR reading.

what is the current in the tank ? SPS require HIGH currents, like 50 times or more!

what are the values for No3 and po4 ?

KH and Calcium and MG ?

and lastly, how are the corals dying ? RTN ? STN ? or just browning out ?

you want no3 and po4 to be zero, KH at 7-10 DKH, Ca at 400+
PPM and MG at 1280 + PPM

 

[boodlefish]

^^^ allmost is asking all the right questions.

 

[Gtownguy487]

How do i find out if they are HO or VHO?

 

[Allmost]

look at the bulb and read what it sais, usually gives you at least the wattage.

for a 4 foot bulb, 59 W is HO.

BUT lighting is last thing you need to check if you run 12 T5s.

start testing your water. KH, MG, ca, No3, Po4, salinity, PH and of course post some more info about your tank, water circulation and ...

its also important what you mean by cant seem to keep. keep healthy ? colorfull or just keep alive, if so how did they die.

without info, noone in this world can help, as every tank is different.

 

[skibum9884]

Agreed. I think KH or salinity is the most likely culprit.

Alk is used up pretty quickly and if it's not replenished via dosing or water changes that could be it. Or salinity being too high or low.

All the other elements Allmost mentions are important as well. Check these out and you'll probably find out why you're having some trouble. Besides pH, most of these can be a bit out of range and won't affect any fish, but will kill corals (especially sensitive SPS).

 

[noobtothereef]

look at the bulb and read what it sais, usually gives you at least the wattage.

for a 4 foot bulb, 59 W is HO.

BUT lighting is last thing you need to check if you run 12 T5s.

start testing your water. KH, MG, ca, No3, Po4, salinity, PH and of course post some more info about your tank, water circulation and ...

its also important what you mean by cant seem to keep. keep healthy ? colorfull or just keep alive, if so how did they die.

without info, noone in this world can help, as every tank is different.

4' t5 ho's are 54w :hmm5:

 

[Hdhuntr01]

Is your Current Nova Extreme the model with individual reflectors or does it have one reflector. If it has the single large reflector then this is your problem. In order to run T-5's on an SPS tank, you MUST run individual reflectors or you will never get the PAR you need to keep SPS alive and thriving.

 

[TeebD]

The only fixture they make in that size is the NEP which does have "individual" reflectors. Light should not be the issue.