Very discouraged

[kenc87]

I have had either steady growth or happy sps for months when over the last few weeks my sps have all been going down hill or died. The only changes are that I replaced my mh bulbs with Phoenix 14k bulbs, and apparently my mag uptake increased as my mag level dropped too low. Could that have caused my issues? Some of the sps are still colored nicely and growing while others who were doing great are dying. I'm lost

 

[MammothReefer]

How low is to low? What about other params mag won't just drop on it's own.

 

[kenc87]

Cal is 440, alk is 10 dkh, nitrate is 10, phosphate is 0, mag dropped to 1050. Dosing schedule has been the same for months.

 

[bkoo29]

Mg is normally 3 x the calcium level. Mg doesn't just drop that fast. Anyone had similar experience? I would like to know if that is possible.

 

[kenc87]

Well the mag must have dropped over a few weeks. I don't test mag very often since my tank has been stable. Usually just once a month. Do you guys think the mag caused the issue

 

[noy]

can you explain how your sps are dying.
rtn stn or otherwise pix would help

 

[kenc87]

The ones that are dying have just lost tissue on certain parts but not on others, my green slimer which is my biggest colony has almost totally turned white but still has polyp extension in a few places. My birdsnest seems to be starting to lose tissue on the underside of the colony. I'm just really confused because my raspberry Millie is still growing, and my pink lemonade has amazing yellow coloring with nice pink polyps. I'm just lost. I can post pictures tomorrow of the ones having issues as my lights are off for the night.

 

[exonn]

How old were your bulbs before you change them? And what bulbs did you have?

 

[smtank]

Did you acclimate to new light bulbs?

What salt mix are you using?

Double check that Mag value?

You must be dosing something to keep the Ca and dkh that high, what are you dosing and how?

 

[tdb320reef]

.

.

Hey Ken sorry about your loses. If you ever make it out my way I can hook you up with some frags and freebies to get you going again.

As for MG - I was very worried with my system because I am running a CARX. I use neomarine salt. I have kept detailed records and it has never dropped below 1250 and stays between 1250 - 1350. I don't even test it anymore. With that said you may have had a incorrect reading and raised the MG to high too quick that may have dropped other param like CALC and ALK. When I crank up my Whites in my LEDS my Alk does drop slightly which I belive the corals calcify much faster. On theory is that when you raised your mg that the calc or alk dropped and the high light the corals did not respond well.

As for the light I have never had MH and SPS but wouldn't think it would kill the corals. Do you have pics of what is going on?

Thanks.

 

[Dmorty217]

Seems that the new bulbs have shocked your corals

 

[purge43]

Im no expert on chemistry by any means, but from the reading Ive done its my understanding that mag only plays a part(for this discussion) by allowing alk and cal to super saturate in the water. If mag was not at the required level your alk and cal readings would be incorrect.

 

[kenc87]

Hey guys thanks for the responses, I dose 2 part daily, and as for the incorrect mag test it's possible I suppose but I don't trust the lfs here to double check my stuff. I use the Red Sea pro test kits. The old bulbs were roughly 8 months old and were the stock aquaticlife mh bulbs that came in my fixture and were replaced with the Phoenix 14k bulbs. I reduced my photoperiod by a few hours. And tbd320reef, thanks a lot! I know you have an amazing system and would love to see it and talk reefs sometime!

 

[kenc87]

Here are some pics, they are off my iPhone so sorry.

 

[kenc87]