SPS Help

[reefsurfing]

I need some wisdom from you; please help. I have some general browning from a few acros that are new to my system and they also seem to be having some recession at the tips. My immediate reaction is that it is most likely alk related but I test my alk daily with a hanna checker. The alk is always between 145ppm-160ppm never more than 10ppm change in a 24 hour period. I realize no change is better but I am trying my best.


System info:
40 Breeder
2 Ecotech radions 35% max
2 mp 40's
3Tbl high capacity GFO in a reactor
3tbl sp Rox Carbon bagged
BK Mini 180

Maintnance:
weekly 7 gal water change
Media changed out monthly
0 TDS water
Kalk Added via top off
1/2 dose of reef chili once a week
Mysis once -twice a week
Parameters

79-81 degrees
alk 8-9dkh hanna
cal 425 Elos
mag 1400 ELos
phos 0 API
nitrates 0 APi Down from 5ppm
salinity 34-35ppm

Fish list:
Mandarin
4spot wrasse
Purple Fire
Ornate wrasse
Cucumber
sand sifting star in a shallow sand bed

I think im getting a few false readings or just some instability since the tank is relatively immature at five months old. Also, there is a minor Cyano outbreak only on the sand, it is visibly clearing .

If you have any ideas; I could really use you're help, TIA.

 

[reefsurfing]

I just noticeds I put monthly changes down for the media. Correction; bi weekly, I rinse containers and replace the media.

 

[reefsurfing]

In my befuddled state I am checking everything and I decided to check my RODI connections. The copper pipe coming form the wall had a splitter that was made of brass just before the RODI and when I tried to unscrew it, disaster, it broke right in half it was so heavily corroded. Is it possible this is whats steadily declining the health of my SPS? Also, is it possible this is the cause of my Cyano??

 

[mushroom head]

I had tips turning white and dying when my mag was low,upped it and everything healed and grew.

 

[reefsurfing]

Not a bad Idea; I have a salifert back up test laying around. I will go check it out!

 

[bobssecrtsn]

whats your pH like?

 

[reefsurfing]

I re tested the magnesium and I am at 1375!

Good idea; if you have anymore let me know!

 

[reefsurfing]

Bob, personally, I dont have a test for Ph but my local fish shop tests it for me. I was 7.9 a month ago so I started dosing kalk and now I am at an 8.2 two weeks apart. Both test used from the same API kit

 

[bobssecrtsn]

you should never use kalk if you dont have a ph monitor!!!!!!!!

pH can swing in a heartbeat.. checking your pH in 2 weeks is so bad. it can swing from 8.0 to 8.5 in 4 hours. with or without the lights on. im guessing its your pH if you dont have a monitor!

 

[reefsurfing]

Thanks I wasn't aware it could damage my tank so horribly!

I have been dosing 1 Tsp per gallon; and its been holding my calc and alk more steady than ever!

I have two part available also; should I get a controller or use two part?

TIA bob

 

[bobssecrtsn]

two part is much safter then kalk, you should use the 2 part for now and toss the kalk until you get a pH controller

how is your coral stockings? sps mainly? or mix, and you posted you do wc every week. if your system isnt a sps dom. your wc should keep up with your big 3.

also browning on sps may occur if you have a high nutrient tank, or not enough lighting, but the coral is new so it should still be acclimating to your lightning

 

[reefsurfing]

I am Full Sps and a few zoanthids here and there. Tank consumes roughly 1 dkh of alk a day..

 

[bobssecrtsn]

I am Full Sps and a few zoanthids here and there. Tank consumes roughly 1 dkh of alk a day..

i just edited my post from before, start using 2 part dose and go from there. remember. when you do WC you have to add 2 part to your WC make your params where you want it, but it depends ONLY on what kind of salt you use.

 

[reefsurfing]

Thanks for the advise I am going to empty the kalk and start with fresh top off!!

Bubble magus doser is otw!