A few questions!

[Layll318]

My mother brought some coral that she wanted in my tank but I’m not overly sure what it is ( or if it’s healthy... ( very bottom coral )

also I have a birds next and I’m wondering if the white tips are new growth.

Last of all... my wife bought a second jaw fish and they seem to be in the same burrow. I can’t possible think this is normal lol

thanks a lot!

 

[Little_Red_Ryan_Hood]

Looks like some type of montipora digitata.
White tips are fine as long as polyps are out and the coral looks healthy. Then it is likely new growth.
Sorry, I don't know anything about jaw fish.

 

[Layll318]

Thanks.

 

[Layll318]

Knocked it off it’s plug but gives a better view. Also not sure why the green star is starting to die. nitrates were at around 50 though maybe that’s why? Always have so much problems with coral but I love them...

 

[Layll318]

 

[Flux Capacitor]

The nitrates could be your problem, what are your other tanks water parameters?

 

[Layll318]

Salinity was 1.27
trace nitrates and phosphate (.1)
Calcium was 450

sorry it’s been a long day. Forgot the slip at the lfs and going from memory. Also new ish at this. Thanks

 

[Little_Red_Ryan_Hood]

First off, don't get discouraged. I know it is heartbreaking to have an animal in your care die, but the fact that it bothers you and you post on R2R will likely result in improvement.
How did your nitrates go from 50 ppm to trace amounts? Do you mean .01 phosphate? Do you have lights that produce adequate PAR for SPS corals?
If you are struggling with corals I would suggest staying away from SPS until you are successful with softies and LPS.

 

[Little_Red_Ryan_Hood]

Salinity was 1.27
trace nitrates and phosphate (.1)
Calcium was 450

sorry it’s been a long day. Forgot the slip at the lfs and going from memory. Also new ish at this. Thanks

I am assuming you mean 1.027 salinity?
I think you should lower your salinity to 1.025. Are you topping off evaporation with fresh water or saltwater?

 

[Dragon174]

Do you have a test kit to test water on your own? If not I would get one.

I agree, you might want to stick to softies, zoo's and maybe a hardy LPS (frogspawn, hammer). These can all be a little more forgiving with water parameters. Stability is key.

Also, welcome to R2R!

 

[Layll318]

thanks! Honestly I have a refractometer but I live so close to a lsp ( a good one) that having them test it once every two weeks hasn’t been a pain. I can start testing it myself though daily if I need too... the salt normal is 1.027-1.026 I will try to keep it at 1.025. Also I use pre mix from their store that run 1.026 I believe. I will also try to lower the nitrates and see what happens I guess. Still now sure if the birds nest and whatever the hell the other this is ... is healthy but time will tell.

inwhbe tried to keep to the harsh coral for the most part but still seem to suck at getting them to grow.

 

[Layll318]

 

[Layll318]

 

[Is this the LFS]

How are the nitrates so high? The tank from what I can see at least, does not seem to have too many fish in it. Are you doing frequent water changes. IMO those are the key to success. And it is not just for the nitrate reduction, but also to replenish the trace elements that your corals need

 

[Layll318]

I moved it about three months ago but after a month or so it was testing fine. I change about 10-15% every couple of days. There are 4 fish to total. It’s a 50g long tank.

 

[Layll318]

4 fish sorry lol clownfish, jawfish, densel and a blenny

 

[DHill6]

I see a little coralline in the front of photo, that’s a good sign. Word of warning, if you’re purchasing pre mixed water from the LFS, you don’t know what’s in it. It’s better if you make your own RO/DI water, you can control it. Go slow with changes, you’ll learn. Agree with trying softies or LPS. SPS need good flow, lighting, cleaner water imo.

 

[DHill6]

I have SPS, LPS, clam, gorgorian and a red Hawaiian anemone. I do a 10% water change every week and dose an all in one daily, minimal. I make my own water and most importantly watch the outcome with any changes I make.

 

[Layll318]

Yea I mean generally it looks health. I will consider doing my own water but tbh I live where there is a well so it’s a process lol light are orbit marine which I only have had for a couple of months. Thanks for the ideas and help.

 

[Is this the LFS]

I see a little coralline in the front of photo, that’s a good sign. Word of warning, if you’re purchasing pre mixed water from the LFS, you don’t know what’s in it. It’s better if you make your own RO/DI water, you can control it. Go slow with changes, you’ll learn. Agree with trying softies or LPS. SPS need good flow, lighting, cleaner water imo.

This was my problem too. Once I started making my own water, almost all of the main problems went away