Should I go from 250w to 175w? Too much light?

[Veosk]

going to cut the vodka out and look at different coral food such as coral freenzy or look into what you recommended. going to leave the 250w. Changing the bottom to black.

 

[Veosk]

Bulb is a reeflux??spelling

 

[naterealbig]

Changing the bottom to black.

I wouldn't bother with changing the color of the bottom of the tank. It will likely stress your already stressed animals. At this point, things aren't great, but they could be a lot worse. You don't want to do something that will tip the scales further than they already are. Again, in my case, the black was simply for asthetics.

 

[naterealbig]

Bulb is a reeflux??spelling

A reeflux should be fine, and I (like the color of the tank bottom) wouldn't worry about changing it out. Again, make a minimal amount of changes at once. A new bulb will mean higher par and ppfd ( a) because reeflux in general are weak bulbs, and b) because a newer bulb, regardless of brand will be brighter). This could possibly cause the corals to lose even more color.

For now, focus on the feedings.

 

[naterealbig]

Take a quick look at this thread. Note Denadai's initial photoperiod and po4/no3 levels. He cut the photoperiod back a little, added a couple fish (which forced him to feed more), and within 2 weeks the corals had made a great improvement.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1689559

 

[Veosk]

Naterealbig thanks for your help. I will do as suggested and report what happens in about 2 weeks. It is frustrating because I try to do what is best and put in the effort but when livestock does poorly and corals fade or die its so disappointing.

Thanks

 

[naterealbig]

You are right, it is certainly disappointing. I have suffered through the problems that most people face when running a bare bottom system. They are very easy to maintain, and typically keep very low po4 and no3 levels, but only when run correctly. Once you find the "balance" I keep mentioning, all will be well I promise. Take a deep breath, go slow.