Calcifying problem

[WRXgucci]

I started with reefing about a year ago. I purchased all API tests between then and now, and ive realized that just because a lfs recommends something, it doesnt always work out. The test kits seem to work out but all of my lps/ sps polyps will do great and it seems like the skeleton doesnt grow. I will get up to date test readings but i garuntee they will read the same.

0 ammonia
0 nitrate
0 nitrite
0 phosphate
Temp 78-80
420-430 calc
~1300 mag

I will be ordering new test kits to verify these results. Is there something else that can inhibit the growth of the skeleton and even make the skeleton become weaker.

 

[Russellaqua]

Do you have alkalinity numbers? Alkalinity in seawater is mainly (though not exclusively) a measure of bicarbonate (HCO3) in the water. This the CO3 portion of this contributes to the skeleton of your corals, along with calcium. If the alkalinity is low, your corals might have a hard time producing skeletons.

Check out this article for a detailed explanation of alkalinity if you haven't seen it as it relates to our tanks.
Chemistry and the Aquarium: What is Alkalinity? — Advanced Aquarist's Online Magazine

 

[pumarjr]

what's your Alk level?

 

[WRXgucci]

I will check alk when the test kits come in. What test kits do you guys recommend to use. I hear salifert, elos, sera, rsm, seachem all thrown back and forth.

 

[Cyber-Burn]

I personally use API for cheap tests and Salifert for anything important. I know several of my friends use and recommend the Elos test kits as well.

 

[CJO]

Salifert and Elos are my favorite.

CJ

 

[WRXgucci]

well i picked up a carbonate hardness test real quick and these are my up to date parameters:


amonia: 0
nitrite: 0
nitrate: 0
ph: 7.6
calcium: 420 ppm
phosphate: 0
dkh: 8-9
mag: 1250


any thoughts?! this is killin me watching this

 

[Madreef]

What brand tests are you using now?

 

[WRXgucci]

some are api, some are rsm

 

[Madreef]

Most all of the color changing phosphate tests are just about useless for testing dissolved phosphate. The hannah hand checker and full checker are the standard IMO. As for the others I use a mix of elos and salifert test kits. Some I have both brands like alkalinity, because I like to double check my readings. Are you using anything for reduction of PO4? How are you supplementing ca, alk, and mag?

 

[WRXgucci]

i do weekly water changes, due to the low amount of corals in the tank. i do VERY small doses of kalk in top off water. and i run a phosban 2-3 days a week, and carbon the rest of the week.

 

[WRXgucci]

double post

 

[CJO]

How are you feeding your tank? You may not have enough nutrients.

CJ

 

[WRXgucci]

I never thought of that. I feed mysis to fish, silversides to my nem, fuana marin coral pellets to the corals. I fees corals 2-3 times a week. I slowed down a little because the polyps get huge on my lps but their skeleton is going backwards.

 

[Madreef]

What's your magnesium?

 

[WRXgucci]

~1300

 

[CJO]

I never thought of that. I feed mysis to fish, silversides to my nem, fuana marin coral pellets to the corals. I fees corals 2-3 times a week. I slowed down a little because the polyps get huge on my lps but their skeleton is going backwards.

Well, sounds like that's not it either.

CJ

 

[WRXgucci]

Haha. Im so lost

 

[Madreef]

1300 using what brand test and how old is the test? How do you measure your phosphate?

 

[aquabull]

WRXgucci, what type of lights are you using? How long is your photoperiod? How old are your lights? Since your parameters appear to be in line, i suggest lighting may be the culprit. It could be as simple as being a couple of inches too far above the tank!