Kindly help me diagnose

[machodik]

I am struggling with the fine tuning of my calcium reactor to maintain at a KH of 7.70 to 8 dkh but I was wondering if the browning of my corals was cause by the Alkalinity or the flow or the Lightning . I suspect it is because of the intense light but It did not bleaching out as mostly I heard.

I am attaching some photos so you all expert here can give me some guidelines . I have post this reef chemistry forum on subject about alkalinity but I think it will appropriate to discuss here .

Cheers,


MD

 

[Cysco]

I suspect it is because of the intense light

Typically SPS don't turn brown due to intense lighting. In fact they would lighten in color. It looks like you're using Kessil lights? Do you use T5's as well?

I'm not sure how or if Alkalinity would effect the brown coloration either. What are your NO3 and PO4 levels?

 

[Eastone]

In my experience alk swings of more than 0.25-0.5 dkh a day cause corals to lose colours. From what I can see a few of your SPS are STNing at the base, this is usually from lack of flow or too high / low phosphates.

Combined with dark coloration I'd suspect higher than ideal po4 levels are causing both the color and the basal necrosis

 

[machodik]

Thanks for your comments and advises

At present I only use 2 kessil 360WE , no T5 yet

My NO3 stay 0 while my Po4 plays between 0.03 to 0.08 by Hanna checker

The said corals were placed just directly or within the flow path of my MP40wes and also I have a Seio 2000 pointed to around that direction

My alkalinity has been seems to be my previous suspect , because the STNed at the base of one of the corals begin about a month or so ago when KH was 11 dkh due to (1) I am using Ref Sea coral pro salt (2) I have a GEO 618 dual chamber calcium reactor..

But I changed to Red Sea sea salt and trying to fine running my calcium reactor so my KH plays between Starting January 17 to now , from 7.60-8.5-7.6-7.90-8.2-7.3-8.2-8.6-9.6-9-8.6. I have turn off my calcium reactor when I saw two days maintain at 9 Dkh and I wish to let my KH goes around 7.7 and then I will turn on my calcium reactor at the same setting of apex , dripping rate of effluent and same sec/ bubbles of my Doser regulator when the time it stay at 9dkh and to see if my KH will be maintaining at 7.7 then.

In conclusion, based on your comments , if not lights , if not flows and if my Po4 level is still not getting too high then it is more likely the Alkalinity ? Although STNed have stop for almost a month now but the brown coloration have never improve even I am adding amino acid for almost a week now at daily basis according to the instruction of Red Sea reef energy .

Happy to have more of your valued feedback and comment .

Cheers,

MD

 

[Cysco]

I would NOT waste time or money dosing amino acid until you fix your kH issue. I personally would see no improvement with dosing those at this time. This is just what I would do. I think you're on the right track with chasing the issue down. Good Luck!

 

[bogg]

Ime number one cause stn is a kh fluctuation

 

[machodik]

Hi there!
I have been doing my fine tuning of my calcium reactor for the past couple of days since I reported here, I have seen that I am working towards to achieved the goal but it's still too early to say . Anyway, my questions here is that I have reached 7.90 dkh in the morning but in the evening it drop to 7.30 dkh , I am avoiding to add or dose any baking soda to elevate my level but on the other hand I am worry if this low level of KH will cause any negative impact to my corals? Although I have seen some even has a lower level of 6 to 6.4 dkh with a nice tank. Hope anyone can give me your valued advises. Thanks