Duncan tree budding?

[clarityreef]

I'm new to reefing and my tank has been running for about 3 weeks. I have a duncan that is about 2 weeks old and I've noticed some things sticking off the sides of the large polyps, I think it may have or decided to branch.
Also I fed it some squid 4 days ago, it closed for like 3 days after while I moved it to a new spot, and only just started to peep out today. Also I'm worried also as my clowns like to pick at them.
Nitrate levels are around 40ppm (something I dont even understand the API tests) and I'm using ultimate aquacare to lower the levels. Everything is fine.

[alb_56]

Yep, new heads.

[nlgill13]

the api nitrate test kits are a pain to read, you might want to look at getting a different test kit.

Definitely a new branch/head...nice!

[clarityreef]

Ok awesome!
Yes I have the API reef kit and it isnt the most accurate readings, can be frustrating...
Is salifert or seachem any good? Problem is they can be quite expensive in Aus $

[nicholasb]

Salifert is very good for nitrate and phosphate. A.P.I is no good for phosphates. 40ppm is very high. It should be below 20ppm, for L.P.S. Your duncan looks very healthy. The best thing for nitrates is, the right feeding of tank, good skimming, right amount of sand/rock, and time.

[nicholasb]

You should not need to feed it. Feeding corals (unless they need special feeding) is not needed, and can lead to nitrate and phosphate problems, Your phosphate should be low. 0.0.3 or below is good.

[ca1ore]

Few corals bud out new heads quite as rapidly as the Duncan. I bought a small, two head frag about six months ago and it is 10 now.

[jdstank]

Feeding duncans will promote growth. Mine eat everything from pellet, flake, mysis, very small bits of shrimp, Rods...pretty much anything I either target feed or they can capture moving through the water column.

[clarityreef]

My nitrates have been consistently high since I bought the tank. It was a complete set up with live rock, fish but no corals. I added the corals after and they have been doing well in the past 2 weeks. I got 2 torch, 1 sun, 1 duncan, 1 corallimorph and 2 mushrooms.
It is a Fluval 46L nano so i can't put in a skimmer.. Didnt realise how silly the design was...
I do water changes of 50% every week to try and get the levels down. Recently I was recommended a nitrate remover and hoping it will work in conjuction with changes. But It wont be the same without a skimmer. Phosphates, alk, nitrite, calcium, ammonia, carbonate, ph is normal.
That said I'm thinking of building my own small sump with a skimmer and refugium, nano size. But design is going to be tricky will a small cabinet. Any suggestions?

[jdstank]

Originally Posted by clarityreef

My nitrates have been consistently high since I bought the tank. It was a complete set up with live rock, fish but no corals. I added the corals after and they have been doing well in the past 2 weeks. I got 2 torch, 1 sun, 1 duncan, 1 corallimorph and 2 mushrooms.
It is a Fluval 46L nano so i can't put in a skimmer.. Didnt realise how silly the design was...
I do water changes of 50% every week to try and get the levels down. Recently I was recommended a nitrate remover and hoping it will work in conjuction with changes. But It wont be the same without a skimmer. Phosphates, alk, nitrite, calcium, ammonia, carbonate, ph is normal.
That said I'm thinking of building my own small sump with a skimmer and refugium, nano size. But design is going to be tricky will a small cabinet. Any suggestions?

A couple options, the 46L is only what, 6 gallons? You could add a HOB overflow and do a custom sump below unless a standard 10g would fit, not sure of your stand size. A return pump would be affordable too since you only need about 50-60gph head pressure at say 4-5' (again depending on tank dimensions). Doubling the amount of water would help, but it's still only 10-12 gallons you're probably dealing with. It will however let you add a skimmer to take out the DO from the water column.
The other option rather than a HOB overflow is you could do a small durso style overflow (drilled or not) using an aqualifter to pull the air from the line and get your siphon going. There's been some very slick DIY internal overflows that don't break the bank. On my first tank I took another guys idea and cut a 6" PVC pipe to create a corner overflow - worked great! It took up very little room in the tank, yours would be even less seeing that you can get away with 3/4" PVC or probably even 1/2". The only problem with option 2 is your tank is already up and running and would have to be taken down for a short period (or up to 2 weeks if siliconing in an internal overflow).