LPS tank looking blah

[pascal32]

I've been working too much and haven't really been keeping tabs on the tank.

the main display looks good. the 72 LPS tank not so much though. the euphilia aren't out like they used to be. loosing one frogspawn, couple acans (though the expensive ones are doing well), and a couple Paly's aren't doing so well.

I've done some water changes, though i couldn't tell you how many in the last two months. carbon and GFO are old. light bulbs need to be replaced. skimmer working well. I've done a lousy job feeding. tank looks clean, aptasia everywhere

I did an interceptor treatmeant earlier in the week, no change.

any thoughts?

the water parameters:

1 nitrate
520 ca
1550 mg
9.3 KH
35 PPT salinity
p04 reading 0
temp 78.5

 

[cardiffgiant]

The reaction from the acans, euphelia, and palys is what I've seen after a period of low Kh. In which case, they aren't a lost cause, but the recovery can take months. Do you think that you had a parameter swing?

 

[pascal32]

Tank should be pretty stable. Looking at the logs the kh is slowly rising, about 1/2 kh per month It has an ato and is fed by my dosing Pump with part 1. I should probably do part 2 on this tank.

I'm miffed

 

[oneradtek202]

hmm maybe super low nutrients? i know lps need something in the water

 

[mr86mister]

I've done some water changes, though i couldn't tell you how many in the last two months.

You've answered your own question...lol

 

[Gravesj1s]

Not sure either.

Usualy,stuff like hammers and frogspawns are pretty easy going,though.

Any of the aptasias possibly stinging ?
Do you notice any slime type alage on anything ,like the stems of zoas?

Good luck .

 

[Capt_Cully]

For some reason that PO4 is speaking to me..

 

[Gravesj1s]

Thats interesting Mark.

If you dont mind me asking,do you mean your doubting a true 0 reading or that 0 po4 is what maybe the issue?

I haven't got any aptasia but I know they tend to thrive in more nutrient rich waters,or so I thought....anyone ever have those with nutrient poor water?

Dont know just ramdom thoughts.

 

[Capt_Cully]

I'm certainly no expert on LPS. Generally I've failed pretty miserably keeping anything other than euphylia. Part of the reason is my preference for SPS and ultra low nutrient systems like Brandon mentioned above.

I seem to recall reading that LPS prefer or need a tickle of phosphates and nitrates in the water collumn. Is that true? No idea. Someone like Tom will be able to support or debunk my ramblings. But again, its just a gut feeling and I think Brandon was on the right track.

 

[Gravesj1s]

Ok, that works. I was just curious of what you meant, definately no expert here either,just thought Id ask given your sps backround.

Thanks-Steve

 

[pascal32]

I'll go through some water changes this week also curious on the PO4. I generally aim to keep under .03, granted I've never made it that high.