Why can't I keep sps?

Spartanman22 · 12/23/2007, 12:20 PM

I have a 75 gallon tank my parameters are all in check(sorry but no numbers I only have the color tests). I have 2x250 mh and 4x65 pc's. I have had two pocciloporas and 3 birdsnest and they all slowly die. I have them in strong flow. I can't figure out why they don't make it because I have an acro(not sure what kind) but that is doing fine.

usmc121581 · 12/23/2007, 12:45 PM

It is hard to tell without numbers for the test. Also do you acclimate? Dose? And what do you have in the tank for LS.

kau_cinta_ku · 12/23/2007, 12:56 PM

we really need numbers for your parameters, sg, temp, alk, cal, mag to really know whats going on with your tank.

amike5 · 12/23/2007, 01:25 PM

What do you consider strong flow? How many GPH? What type of flow, powerheads, closed loop?

Sk8r · 12/23/2007, 01:34 PM

Phosphate is one common reason for mysterious sps decline. If you have algae you have phosphate, and it will not show on the test [being bound in the algae].

Nitrate/ammonia can creep up on you if you get out of the habit of doing that test.

Aging lights can cause a problem.

But for the rest, we do need those numbers.

BangkokMatt · 12/23/2007, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Sk8r
Phosphate is one common reason for mysterious sps decline. If you have algae you have phosphate, and it will not show on the test [being bound in the algae].

Nitrate/ammonia can creep up on you if you get out of the habit of doing that test.

Aging lights can cause a problem.

But for the rest, we do need those numbers.

I agree with the wise Sk8er. Don't ya hate phosphates!

Bygkid · 12/23/2007, 03:48 PM

Make sure that they are not in 'Direct flow'. My pocciloporas like medium flow and draw up when it gets too much directly on them.

My Acros like a bit more but still don't like too much flowing right on them all the time. YOur parameters are VERY important as everyone else has stated.

Scott

Spartanman22 · 12/23/2007, 05:41 PM

i have had an extremely bad algae problem but it is now on the decline

BangkokMatt · 12/24/2007, 02:14 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Spartanman22
i have had an extremely bad algae problem but it is now on the decline

That indicates phosphates

adtravels · 12/24/2007, 04:24 AM

ake sure your water source reads 0 tds before you mix your salt

demonsp · 12/24/2007, 05:17 AM

To have a succesful reef tank you nned to get a good test kits and MB 2 seperate kits for the more basic readings. Nitrate,nitrite,PH,ALK,Calcium ( very imprortant to stoney coral),salinity,phosphate , and ammonia.

This could be from low water quality , flow issues , low or no food source, Lighting , placement , and more.
Your question being supported by suchj little info is hard if not impossible to narrow down.

you need to add things like tank size, time its been running ,equipment , stock , amount of LR and SB. These would really help narrow down.

But without knowing your water readings your just practicing poor reef practices. But i say that as a freind not as a smartbutt. I added that part cause its hard to tell sometimes.

12/23/2007, 12:20 PM	#1
Spartanman22 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Oswego Posts: 1,314	Why can't I keep sps? I have a 75 gallon tank my parameters are all in check(sorry but no numbers I only have the color tests). I have 2x250 mh and 4x65 pc's. I have had two pocciloporas and 3 birdsnest and they all slowly die. I have them in strong flow. I can't figure out why they don't make it because I have an acro(not sure what kind) but that is doing fine.

12/23/2007, 12:45 PM	#2
usmc121581 Where am I? Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Abingdon, maryland Posts: 1,671 Blog Entries: 1	It is hard to tell without numbers for the test. Also do you acclimate? Dose? And what do you have in the tank for LS. __________________ I prefer not to think before I speak, I like to be just as surprised as everyone else by what comes out of my mouth. Current Tank Info: I have a 180 gal mostly LPS corals, it contains 1 Val. Tang, 1 yellow striped clown fish, 3 percula clownfish, a blood shrimp, cleaner shrimp and a sand shifting goby, 5 pajama cardinals, 1 green chromis. Also a 75 gal. sump/fug.

12/23/2007, 01:34 PM	#5
Sk8r RC Mod Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 34,628 Blog Entries: 55	Phosphate is one common reason for mysterious sps decline. If you have algae you have phosphate, and it will not show on the test [being bound in the algae]. Nitrate/ammonia can creep up on you if you get out of the habit of doing that test. Aging lights can cause a problem. But for the rest, we do need those numbers. __________________ Sk8r Salinity 1.024-6; alkalinity 8.3-9.3 on KH scale; calcium 420; magnesium 1300, temp 78-80, nitrate .2. Ammonia 0. No filters: lps tank. Alk and cal won't rise if mg is low. Current Tank Info: 105g AquaVim wedge, yellow tang, sailfin blenny,royal gramma, ocellaris clown pair, yellow watchman, 100 microceriths, 25 tiny hermits, a 4" conch, 1" nassarius, recovering from 2 year hiatus with daily water change of 10%.

12/23/2007, 03:48 PM	#7
Bygkid Premium Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Grand Prairie, Texas Posts: 187	Make sure that they are not in 'Direct flow'. My pocciloporas like medium flow and draw up when it gets too much directly on them. My Acros like a bit more but still don't like too much flowing right on them all the time. YOur parameters are VERY important as everyone else has stated. Scott __________________ One cannot wage war under present conditions without the support of public opinion, which is tremendously molded by the press and other forms of propaganda. - Douglas MacArthur Current Tank Info: Custom 140g mixed reef. 2 Mag 12 returns, 60" Current Sunpod HQI with 3 Phoenix 14000K 150W DE MH,55g sump/fug, Tunze 9015 skimmer, 4 Tunze 6055's w/ Multi Controller: 29g FW community tank, 450G FW Comet ponds

12/24/2007, 04:24 AM	#10
adtravels you cant buy blue fingers Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 2,542	ake sure your water source reads 0 tds before you mix your salt __________________ False facts are highly injurious to the progress of science, for they often endure long; but false views supported by some evidence, do little harm, for every one takes a salutary pleasure in proving their falseness. Current Tank Info: 90 gallon 36x24x24 reef

12/23/2007, 12:56 PM	#3
kau_cinta_ku Moved On Join Date: May 2005 Location: NW Iowa Posts: 8,669	we really need numbers for your parameters, sg, temp, alk, cal, mag to really know whats going on with your tank.

12/23/2007, 01:25 PM	#4
amike5 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Englewood, CO Posts: 724	What do you consider strong flow? How many GPH? What type of flow, powerheads, closed loop?

12/23/2007, 05:41 PM	#8
Spartanman22 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Oswego Posts: 1,314	i have had an extremely bad algae problem but it is now on the decline

12/24/2007, 05:17 AM	#11
demonsp Moved On Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: el paso tx Posts: 7,634	To have a succesful reef tank you nned to get a good test kits and MB 2 seperate kits for the more basic readings. Nitrate,nitrite,PH,ALK,Calcium ( very imprortant to stoney coral),salinity,phosphate , and ammonia. This could be from low water quality , flow issues , low or no food source, Lighting , placement , and more. Your question being supported by suchj little info is hard if not impossible to narrow down. you need to add things like tank size, time its been running ,equipment , stock , amount of LR and SB. These would really help narrow down. But without knowing your water readings your just practicing poor reef practices. But i say that as a freind not as a smartbutt. I added that part cause its hard to tell sometimes.