LPS vs.SPS corals and PO 4 levels ?

[Reefflections]

I have more of the SPS corals,than LPS corals.I recently started to use Phosban for PO4 levels.I'm barebottom and still having problems with Enchino/Chalice corals.There are other folks that have BB systems also.And they seem to keep these corals with SPS no problem at all.My levels are find,being running a Calcium reactor,and salt levels,temp.So the system is very stable.Also there are new bulbs that been put in.I can put them in light or even in the shade,but I'm seeing a slow die off.But my questioned here,can PO 4 levels have and impact on any types of LPS corals,like it does with SPS corals.But it does seem to be infecting any type of encrusting LPS corals.But I'm still playing the waiting game,as for Phosban vs LPS corals.But was wondering about people who started any type of Phophate remover scene a huge improventment any of their LPS corals?

 

[Justin74]

Definately, as you said your seeing it predominantly in your encrusting corals? To do that of course they need to lay down new skeleton, hence lies your problem, or part of it. Phosphates inhibit the corals calcification process.

On a side note, call me supersticeous but I recal having very poor results and one even fatal, due to PO4, and a stinking suspision that the phosban may be another irratant. And my suspision only fueld with talk of results of Aluminum in our tanks. Not saying that it was the culprit, but I suspect a hinderance in some form, im not smart enough to figure out Now, for control Im sold on ROWAphos, or any iron based media, ya theres more talk brewing about that IIRC in the last issue of RK, but supplementing your reef with the iron element from what I understand is alot safer than Al. But I leave the heavy thinking to the chem guys


-Justin

 

[Reefflections]

Justin
Thanks for your reply.You just to see talk about PO4 and the LPS end of it.That's why I wanted to write here,Has people scene improvement as well as SPS folks?Because my SPS there was a direct link with these PO 4 levels.And some of my new expensive Enchino/Chalice corals,seem to die off really slow.Also added in that bunch encrusing Monti's.Only a few of those.I know I can't be the only one on this matter.But trying to just figure this whole thing out?

 

[Phyto]

I too have had my eye on some encrusting LPS recently. I dont keep any SPS but I can tell you my experiences with LPS and phosphates. I once had an issue with increased levels of PO4, due to feeding my cardinals frozen meaty foods (I did rinse the food before feeding). My frogspawns, which produce calcareous skeletal tubes, were not appreciating the increased levels. I used the Fe based Phosguard by DrsF&S. It seemed to take a long time to bring my levels down. I did not use a reactor, only a filter media bag, which is probably less effective. I decided to plumb in a tank for additional chaeto. The addition of chaeto dropped my PO4 much quicker. I would try and add more macro if at all possible.
It doesnt make much sence to me why you have good SPS growth and your echinos are suffering. Maybe to much/little light? I know the echino have various light preferences. That question is going to cook my noodle for the day. I wish I had better info for you. I saw a forum with peoples pics of encrusting LPS. Check that out and find a person who has a massive collection and shoot them your question, incase they havent seen this.

You said your encrusting montis (SPS) are also suffering?Perhapse PO4 has bound to your rock, like what has been suggested to happen when dripping kalk. While your encrusters are covering the rocks surface, a reaction may be releaseing the bound PO4 in that area. I dont know if that is a viable reason, I'm just trying to think of possibilities

 

[Underwaterparadise]

check your mag levels as well.