Question: Water qualtity and SPS

[GPB]

I've been reading alot here on SPS. I just got my first two frags of SPS last week. I got a Green Birsnest and a Monti undata.

They seem to be doing fine. The Monti better than the birdnest; more polyp extension.

My nitrates measure about 1 or less as far as I can tell. Basically, I can't tell if the Salifert test is 0 or if I'm imagining a little pink color.

My PO4 is undetectable as well.

I don't have an algae problem. I do grow some gracilaria and caulerpa in my fuge. It grows OK. I take a little out each week when I do 5 gal water change.

If your NO3 and PO4 are zero and there isn't an algae problem where it is a problem but getting used by the algae before you can measure it. Does this mean by definition that you don't have a nutrient issue?

I want to be succesfull.

My other tank paramaeters look good.

Cal 490
Mg 1380
Alk 8.3
ph 8.15 - 8.27

Lighting 6 x 24 watt T-5' on for 6 hours daily.

 

[Reefer1225]

"If your NO3 and PO4 are zero and there isn't an algae problem where it is a problem but getting used by the algae before you can measure it. Does this mean by definition that you don't have a nutrient issue?"

Maybe a lack of nutrient issue. Corals may starve if no nutrients. Sounds like you have a ULNS. Do you dose aminos or feed the corals? If you have a large bioload and feed fish enough, then you might not need to dose anything. Just monitor your parameters and the health of your corals. Other than that, looks like you are on point.

 

[danil]

right... it seems like you are on right spot. I would keep eyes on your new corals and check colors, grow rate and PE. Nitrate at 1ppm is good don't go lower then that at this moment. Also give them a bit of time to acclimate to your tank (don't expect them to start growing right away). Don't move them beside light acclimation. Find the right place and glue them strong so no 'shaking' due to water movement. Keep in mind your new corals are fast growers and with right condition could get huge... so provide enough space to grow.