How can I bring my colors up?

[t5Nitro]

Some of my corals have really nice coloring. The blue tort is amazing. Green/purple/orange caps have nice coloring also. The birdsnest (pink) is pink on the side where no one sees it, probably because that has the most light :lol: Otherwise brownish in front. Majority of my other corals have color, but just not that great and maybe a faded look. My frag of pink mille was getting pink'ish' and then back to a lot of brown after it is touching a purple cap. Is this because it is fighting kind of? Loss of color due to it?

I run 3x250w DE 14k phoenix. Was going to use 12k 250w DE reeflux next time. Is the bulb not that great? I'm almost guessing it could be my flow, but I'm not sure. I have a koralia 4, 2 seio 620s, and a mag12 (I think) return pump.

Ca: 410 ppm
Alk: 8.7-9.0 dKh
Mg: I don't test it, so I'm guessing it might be around 1100-1200?

I really doubt I would have high nutrients. I would say a low nutrient tank. I have a phosban reactor, activated carbon at all times, run a Euro-Reef skimmer occasionally, chaeto, sump full of LR, and a sponge-like filter in front of the drain to catch anything.

Any tips appreciated. Thanks. If needed, I will get pics up for a better idea.

 

[reefgeek67]

I would probably say you should run your skimmer all the time. Also, you might want to check/dose magnesium. Its a good idea with a sps tank. also, I have had great luck with reeflux bulbs and sps coral grow(food).

 

[t5Nitro]

Alright, thanks! I am going to try reeflux next bulb change. I will try and run the skimmer all the time too. I was running it all the time after the people at Euro-Reef told me to do so. Sometimes in the morning it got really really loud though, so I quit using it.

 

[mpoletti]

Nutrients are not that bad of a thing. Low nutrient systems like zeo and pobidio only work if you do the whole deal. Your corals need to be fed through nutrients in the water. A skimmer helps export them out. Mg plays a larger role than most people give it credit. When I test, I test for alk, then mg, then cal, then po4; in that order. And most of the time, Its only the fist two. If your Alk and Mg is within correct ratios, the your CA will be fine. my $.02

 

[nanoguy]

I'm having the same issues you are currently having Nitro. To make a long story short, I think my system is nutrient deprived. Ever since I started a heavier feeding regimen 4 weeks ago my corals have been coloring up nicely. I too have a pink milli that was touch and go as far as the color was concerned. Today, it has candy pink coralites and a nice rich green base. Just 3 weeks ago this thing was almost brown in color.