Acros unhappy

Zach Hart · Feb 6, 2023

Got a high range Hanna nitrate checker and it’s testing 0 nitrate. My phosphate checker is saying 0.11

Andyf30 · Feb 6, 2023

Zach Hart said:
Got a high range Hanna nitrate checker and it’s testing 0 nitrate. My phosphate checker is saying 0.11

0 Nitrates will definitely cause some coloring and health issues in acros (not to mention possibly a dino outbreak) .11 is fine for Phos, but to keep it balanced you'll need 5-10 ppm nitrate to make sure the nutrients are in a good ratio.

Zach Hart · Feb 6, 2023

Andyf30 said:
0 Nitrates will definitely cause some coloring and health issues in acros (not to mention possibly a dino outbreak) .11 is fine for Phos, but to keep it balanced you'll need 5-10 ppm nitrate to make sure the nutrients are in a good ratio.

Do you think it’s worth dosing nitrates like neonitro?

Andyf30 · Feb 6, 2023

Zach Hart said:
Do you think it’s worth dosing nitrates like neonitro?

I would and make sure you follow their instructions closely. Once you saturate the water the level will climb quickly, so go slow and trust that it will increase. Seen some cases where folks don’t see it go up, knee jerk add double the dose, and suddenly theyre at 20-30 ppm nitrate not the 10 they were shooting for

Zach Hart · Feb 6, 2023

Andyf30 said:
I would and make sure you follow their instructions closely. Once you saturate the water the level will climb quickly, so go slow and trust that it will increase. Seen some cases where folks don’t see it go up, knee jerk add double the dose, and suddenly theyre at 20-30 ppm nitrate not the 10 they were shooting for

Ok cheers will get some soon

gbroadbridge · Feb 6, 2023

Zach Hart said:
Do you think it’s worth dosing nitrates like neonitro?

Don't increase Nitrates by more than about 1-2ppm a day to be safe

Andyf30 · Feb 6, 2023

gbroadbridge said:
Don't increase Nitrates by more than about 1-2ppm a day to be safe

^this is a great point as well. As with anything in reefing, nothing good happens fast. Take your time raising the nitrates

aquaregia · Feb 6, 2023

You might try Zeovit Pohl's X-tra Special.

Mark Bradley · Feb 16, 2023

Zach Hart said:
Hello, I’m new to keeping Acroporas having kept lps and other sps before happy and thriving before. However, as you can see from the pictures I attach I have a couple acros that seem to be doing well such as the green slimer which has coloured up nicely and another coral which is growing and regaining its colour. However the majority look either bleached of colour or have turned a light pinkish colour but still showing their polyps. What could be the reason for this? I also have a clam (5 months) which seems to be doing well if that gives you an indication of overall water stability and conditions. Thanks

tank has only recently been fully stocked with 12 fish in a reefer 250
Nitrate is 5ppm
Phosphate is 0.08 ppm
Alk varies from 8.3-8.7 (using Neptune trident)
Calcium 440
Magnesium 1320
Tank is 7 months old
Acros have pretty much looked like this since I got them for 3 or 4 months

View attachment 3001129 View attachment 3001130 View attachment 3001131 View attachment 3001132 View attachment 3001133

Where, in the UK, are you based? I had a number of issues myself but then found ‘Living Reef Aquatics’ in Dartford, Kent. Fabulous shop, and people, who helped me get my lights, flow and husbandry spot on for keeping acropora.

Confidence was derived from the fact they farm their own corals too. I know, from experience , finding somewhere you can go and talk (face to face) in detail, about what is going on is hard to find - this is now the only place I visit.

Zach Hart · Feb 16, 2023

Mark Bradley said:
Where, in the UK, are you based? I had a number of issues myself but then found ‘Living Reef Aquatics’ in Dartford, Kent. Fabulous shop, and people, who helped me get my lights, flow and husbandry spot on for keeping acropora.

Confidence was derived from the fact they farm their own corals too. I know, from experience , finding somewhere you can go and talk (face to face) in detail, about what is going on is hard to find - this is now the only place I visit.

Yes I go there all the time too what are the chances