LPS dying in SPS tank

jeremy K · 08/26/2010, 07:54 AM

My 90g reef used to be LPS dominated, but over the past 9 months I have been adding more SPS and vodka dosing to achieve an ultra-low nutrient system. I also added more flow (2 vortech MP40s and 1 K4 in addition to my return pump). My SPS have, for the most part, reacted favorably. However, many of my LPS have died. I lost a large bubble coral, 2 favia brains, 1 lobo, and 1 cynarina. What might the cause of this be? Is it more likely the high flow, or more likely the vodka dosing? Has anyone else had this experience?

curlykid · 08/26/2010, 08:04 AM

i think it's actually a combination of both. Mine just did the same thing after a big maintenance job. The nitrates were at zero, so i started overfeeding as usual and they popped right back up. I think if they're not fed in a low-nutrient environment, they have no way for nutrients to enter their polyps.

gasbatalla · 08/26/2010, 08:11 AM

I know that the bubble coral doesn't like high flow areas. I don't know about the other LPS

Rich D · 08/26/2010, 08:33 AM

its probably a bit of both. In my experience LPS have always done best when they are overfed and in a high nutrient system. Many LPS also do poorly in very high flow.

outy · 08/26/2010, 10:13 AM

my LPS thrive in low nutrient water so I would think its something else alltogether.

high flow can irritate them though.

dg3147 · 08/26/2010, 11:57 AM

I had the same problem when dosing vodka, my LPS crashed while SPS thrived. Intresting note though: my NO3 with vodka was 5-10 and once I switched to pellets, my NO3 went to zero and my LPS look like they are recovering.

I think there is something to vodka other than just driving NO3 to zero.

08/26/2010, 07:54 AM	#1
jeremy K Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Toronto Posts: 270	LPS dying in SPS tank My 90g reef used to be LPS dominated, but over the past 9 months I have been adding more SPS and vodka dosing to achieve an ultra-low nutrient system. I also added more flow (2 vortech MP40s and 1 K4 in addition to my return pump). My SPS have, for the most part, reacted favorably. However, many of my LPS have died. I lost a large bubble coral, 2 favia brains, 1 lobo, and 1 cynarina. What might the cause of this be? Is it more likely the high flow, or more likely the vodka dosing? Has anyone else had this experience? __________________ 90g with 30g sump, Sea Side Aquatics CS2 skimmer, eheim 5000 return,1 MP40w ES + 1 Tunze 6095. Lighting - ATI 4x54W Sunpower, 1 BML strip, 1 Reefbrite strip. Current Tank Info: 90g mixed reef

08/26/2010, 08:04 AM	#2
curlykid Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: America Posts: 722	i think it's actually a combination of both. Mine just did the same thing after a big maintenance job. The nitrates were at zero, so i started overfeeding as usual and they popped right back up. I think if they're not fed in a low-nutrient environment, they have no way for nutrients to enter their polyps. __________________ Sent from my fingers using sensory organs

08/26/2010, 08:33 AM	#4
Rich D Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: CT Posts: 828	its probably a bit of both. In my experience LPS have always done best when they are overfed and in a high nutrient system. Many LPS also do poorly in very high flow. __________________ “Asking is the beginning of receiving. Make sure you don't go to the ocean with a teaspoon. At least take a bucket so the kids won't laugh at you.” Current Tank Info: 120 display 40 gallon approx. sump

08/26/2010, 11:57 AM	#6
dg3147 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Pasadena, CA Posts: 1,178	I had the same problem when dosing vodka, my LPS crashed while SPS thrived. Intresting note though: my NO3 with vodka was 5-10 and once I switched to pellets, my NO3 went to zero and my LPS look like they are recovering. I think there is something to vodka other than just driving NO3 to zero. __________________ Elos 160XL \| Powermodule LED/T5 \| BK Double cone 200 \| Pasadena, CA Home page: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=23482778#post23482778

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08/26/2010, 08:11 AM	#3
gasbatalla Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Costa Rica Posts: 243	I know that the bubble coral doesn't like high flow areas. I don't know about the other LPS

08/26/2010, 10:13 AM	#5
outy Moved On Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: auburn CA Posts: 4,021	my LPS thrive in low nutrient water so I would think its something else alltogether. high flow can irritate them though.