SPS Death Mystery

[Zen685]

Over the years I've lost all of my colonies smaller polyped SPS like stylo and birdsnests. The deaths come sudden and the colony completly dies within 24 hours. If I can quickly frag a piece the frag lives and grows but the rest of the coral dies. All of my other larger polyped Acros, Green Slimer, etc are doing great and seem to be growing faster than ever. This has happened randomly over the last 2 1/2 years. Parameters are solid and there are no pests. Anyone have a similar problem?

 

[sedor]

If they are dying that quickly, parameters are not optimal...its science. If everything is in balance, they will grow properly. Keep your eye on nitrates as this is likely the cause. That or your other parameters are swinging too wildly. Larger polyped SPS tend to be more resillient, especially the ones your mentions so they just have an easier time dealing with it.

 

[Zen685]

I haven't had a nitrate reading since the second week the tank was setup. Nothing else swings wildly. Alk may vary from 7-9 over a months time but that's it.