Definitely a good idea. If you've been running for 2 years without issue keeping sps and something like this crops up it usually takes a couple weeks to have effect. I use a lot of mag racks in my system and am always concerned about metals. I try to send out to ATI quarterly regardless of anything. In the meantime since its STN and not RTN you can grab some salifert tests if you're concerned.
Calcium is low and magnesium slightly low. Need nitrates and phosphate numbers.
Well you probably have identified your issues then. In addition to calcium and magnesium being off your nitrates are bottomed out and your phosphate is elevated.
Once you are no longer nitrate limited, your phosphates will lower as both are consumed.
Forgot to mention I also have an algae scrubber (have so for about a year now) would shortening the photo period help?
Absolutely would. Next time you harvest drop to half photoperiod until your nutrients come back into line, extend photoperiod when you're above your target, average 10-15N, 0.08-0.12P is what I suggest, but your mileage will vary depending on your tank. I sit today at 87N, 0.10P
Your phosphate is only moderate elevated so bringing up nitrates should lower it or you can use bag of phosguard which lower phosphates slowly. Typically just feeding more frozen food will raise nitrates and as you already mentioned cutting back export a little. I would feed some aminos or coral food once or twice a week until your nitrates come back up but don't use reef roids which raises phosphate a lot.
Thank you for your input! I’ve been feeding a lot of just brine shrimp lately. I’ll have to whip out the reef frenzy. I’ll also look into aminos. Everything was going really well. Not sure why suddenly things shifted without me making any changes.
When things get out of balance like you are experiencing it can take weeks or months before the corals begin to show stress affects. I would still get an ICP test to check everything and make sure no rusty magnets.
Wow! That was quite the failure. What brand heater?
