SPS bleaching. Please help.

[reefrf]

I have been recently having issues with some of my sps bleaching. First my tri-color Valida started bleaching from the base up. Now I have two others starting to bleach from the bottom up. Can I stop this from happening quick or will it continue?


Here are my parameters:

Salinity-1.026
Alk-12 (a little high) normally I keep it at 10
Calcium-520 (normally is 460)
Nitrate-0
Nitrite-
Mag-1340
PH-8.0
Temp 80-81 consistently

 

[reefrf]

Bump. Does anyone have any suggestions for me? Pleeassse.

 

[ludnix]

It sounds like your describing rapid tissue necrosis. I have found it to often be dependant on how the corals were acclimated. If they have been in there a while it's probably something else though.

The best solution is to frag the corals 1/4" above where the flesh is receding and turning white. This will hopefully prevent the RTN from spreading.

 

[rigleautomotive]

well it can usually be linked to one of three things IME
pests(aefw,red bugs),alk swings ,or insufficient flow.
there are many other things that can cause it but these are the top three for what you describe.alk at 12 dkh along with the possible test kit inaccuracy could be the problem.if the kit is off + or - 1 dkh you may be at 13dkh which will take out acroporas in my tank every time.

 

[reefrf]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15384779#post15384779 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ludnix
It sounds like your describing rapid tissue necrosis. I have found it to often be dependant on how the corals were acclimated. If they have been in there a while it's probably something else though.

The best solution is to frag the corals 1/4" above where the flesh is receding and turning white. This will hopefully prevent the RTN from spreading.

Thanks! Yes, these corals have been in the tank for 6+ months. I remember once my Red Planet did a similar thing and became totally white & I thought it was dead, but 2 months later the color came back & looks better than ever!

 

[reefrf]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15384814#post15384814 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rigleautomotive
well it can usually be linked to one of three things IME
pests(aefw,red bugs),alk swings ,or insufficient flow.
there are many other things that can cause it but these are the top three for what you describe.alk at 12 dkh along with the possible test kit inaccuracy could be the problem.if the kit is off + or - 1 dkh you may be at 13dkh which will take out acroporas in my tank every time.

I'm fairly certain my flow is good. I haven't added any new corals recently (other than Zoas). If it's the Alk, will the Zoanthelle reproduce in the colowr so that the color comes back? Should I just allow the Alk come down slowly vs making quick changes?

Ron

 

[IUnknown]

I just went through this and I was told to invest in GFO equipment (phosphate binding, phosphate reactor). Any algae associated with the problem?

 

[reefrf]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15385269#post15385269 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by IUnknown
I just went through this and I was told to invest in GFO equipment (phosphate binding, phosphate reactor). Any algae associated with the problem?

Yes, I do have two little fish rector set-up with Rowas for phosphate removal as well as a Fuge. I have not tested my Phosphates lately, but will today. I have no algae issues to speak of (knock on wood) yet. Could phosphates cause this issue?

 

[DT's_Reef]

Does your sand have dinoflagellates and/or red slime? Or is it nice and clean?

 

[reefrf]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15385502#post15385502 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DT's_Reef
Does your sand have dinoflagellates and/or red slime? Or is it nice and clean?

No, neither to both. Nice & clean.

 

[rigleautomotive]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15384932#post15384932 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by reefrf
I'm fairly certain my flow is good. I haven't added any new corals recently (other than Zoas). If it's the Alk, will the Zoanthelle reproduce in the colowr so that the color comes back? Should I just allow the Alk come down slowly vs making quick changes?

Ron

yes definitely let it come down to around 9dkh over several days.i like keeping it at 9 just incase the kit error gets you.staying more in the middle range allows some kit noise without it hurting too much

 

[reefrf]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15385779#post15385779 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rigleautomotive
yes definitely let it come down to around 9dkh over several days.i like keeping it at 9 just incase the kit error gets you.staying more in the middle range allows some kit noise without it hurting too much

Thanks Dan. Yes, normally I like to keep my Alk around 9 or 10. I'm not sure how it went to 12. I recently sold a HUGE Monti cap. I'm wondering if the loss of that made a difference in the consumption of my Calc & Alk.