vibrant color loss

[crabbyjoe]

hey everyone... i've been in sps for about 6 months now and have had incredible results w/ growth and survival. but...... i'm losing the bright vibrant colors that some of my corals had when i bought them. what would be the most common culprit in my water for this? only known possible issue is that i used rock from my 10 year old reef that i unfortunately kept w/o RODI water so i'm assuming i have some possible nitrates and phosphates leaching back into my tank. tests say almost 0ppm but macro algae growth on rocks says differently.

like i said, i've had great growth in every sps in the tank and havent lost a piece to anything. just not holding the coloration i'd like.

basic parameters are as follows and i'm sure someone will ask for something i dont test for but looking for any 911s i might not know of yet.
Thanks!!

SG 1.025
CA 400
no3 and p04 both testing around 0 (marine master so not the best)
ALK 9-10
running 250w 10000K and 2x65w 50/50 PC
56gallon display w/ 20 gallon sump

 

[Met3112]

Get your test results double checked with other kits, something electronic for the phosphate. Check for redbugs or other parasites.

 

[agruetz]

Certain trace elements are reported to have impact on coloration. I have been testing the Red Sea coral coloration program, as my LPS's were losing color but still healthy. What is your water change schedule? I know many of these elements are replaced by water changes. My Coral colors seem to be much more vibrant since I have been using their program but it is just observations, not guaranteed science that this is what helped. Just a thought. I am interested to see what others think here.