SPS paler overnight after removing a bit of sand

[xdestry]

Hey guys, I tried removing about half the sand in my refugium last night due to nutrient issues and today the sps have all paled out. Do you guys think it might be due to a mini cycle? I didn't remove too much sand but I guess it was enough to cause it. The polyp extension is still about the same and no pieces are stn/rtn, just a lot paler. Anything I can do now or just wait for the cycle to be over? Thanks!

 

[xdestry]

Just tested ammonia at 0

nitrates at 0 and phosphate at .03. nitrates are usually at 0 and phosphate at 0 as well so it could be an excess of nutrients being released into the water? should i change my gfo to remove it or just let things get back to normal on its own?

 

[tommyboynj]

You might want to run your gfo to get your po4 back down. I had a bad phosphate spike when I transferred from my old tank to my current set up. Lost a few nice colonies.