New system overload rookie mostake
No I don't think so, I'm not a rookie and I do know how to run and stock a tank!
ultimately the tank was broken down due to a house move after never having any success with corals. To cut a very long story short I am almost certain that the problem was due to the live rock. The rock was known as Bluestone which is actually the skeleton of the heliopora. I had lots of problems with most corals, even my hammer had 'deformed' hammers. I think that the element that makes the rock blue was the problem or some contamination within the rock. My new tank has the same hammer in there and now the hammers have returned to normal shape. This tank is made up of all new rock.
The difference between the tanks is amazing this one is running well and all corals are doing well. I don't suppose I will ever know exactly what the problem was but I'm certain it was the rock issue.
Cheers,
Cam.