Corals not looking so great, all guidance is appreciated…

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

I agree to turn the lights up, that light for that size I would have them up at least to 80%, probably higher. Your light is way too low.

 

[SuperReefNoob]

So which is correct? That's a big difference. Maybe user error?

API are not the worst test kit. You are only testing trends anyway.
I'm not saying don't buy better tests but only when funds are availible.

For hanna;
Alk
Phosphate
Nitrate

The API kit was definitely garbage, cross referenced the Hanna with a Red Sea kit and they both matched results.

 

[ReeferNas2001]

I agree to turn the lights up, that light for that size I would have them up at least to 80%, probably higher. Your light is way too low.

Everyone has been so helpful, I’ve got a lot of potential solutions to try. Right now my course of action is looking like purchasing live rock, buying a lux meter, par is too expensive, and getting new testing kit. I’ll just slowly buy them over a month since salifert as 100 for everything is too much (still in college with a car payment) thank you all, any more guidance or potential solutions are appreciated!

 

[robottaway]

Some of those corals don’t look too bad ie the softies.

Have you tried moving the corals that are doing poorly around? How about flow where they are located? Is it appropriate for the type? Too much / too little?

Did you setup the chaeto to address an issue with high po4 and/or no3? What is your water change schedule and volume? What is your source of saltwater? Do you mix it yourself or buy from lfs? If yourself what are you using for RODI water, does it test 0 on a tds meter?

Less likely issue but any chance of some contamination or environmental factor? Have you had your hands in the tank?

Edit: bonus questions. What are temps and salinity doing? What values are you aiming for? Do they swing up and down? What ranges are you seeing?

 

[slingfox]

Join a local/regional reef club if you can. The one in my area has a bunch of useful equipment available for members including par meters, band saw, fish traps, suction cups, etc. They also host great events.

 

[VintageReefer]

The viparspectra is a powerful light and similar to a reef breeders photon v1, which I owned for several years and I can tell you I never needed blues over 45% and white over 15.