Acro, and lower alkalinity!

[JOKER]

OK so I run an ULNS SPS dominant with very low N03, and P04 just for the record. I have tried running my alkalinity at 8 or more for growth, but acro seem to bleach out or become very pale. I have ran it as low as 5.5-6, and they displayed better color. Recently I installed a calcium reactor, and set it at 7. Before I used 2 part to keep it stable. I have noticed better growth, and color from acros, and I have also noticed an explosion in zoanthid growth. Would this be from the calcium reactor compared to 2 part or something else? Feeding, fish, or dosing of acro power, have not increased. I prefer running my alkalinity at 7-8, and always have, but this tank has been as low as 5 with no ill effects. I know stability is key for any reef, and they can be successful at any level. What level do you guys with SPS dominant tanks find works best for your tanks?

 

[Scrubber_steve]

The specific media used in cal reactors can make a difference. Those in the know may be intetested in which brand you're using.

 

[happysalt]

Following....

 

[ycnibrc]

Your media reactor when it melt will add more than just Alk, CA and mag. Multiple trace elements are added. As far as Alk and Sps grow it's in the coral DNA to grow well around 7dkh because they have been growing million of years in the ocean with sea water parameters which is
Alk 7 CA 380 and mag 1300.

 

[SeaDweller]

I don’t run higher than 7.6.

 

[Dilan Patel]

Your media reactor when it melt will add more than just Alk, CA and mag. Multiple trace elements are added. As far as Alk and Sps grow it's in the coral DNA to grow well around 7dkh because they have been growing million of years in the ocean with sea water parameters which is
Alk 7 CA 380 and mag 1300.

Like ycnibrc said switching to a calcium reactor and using that media turns out to release more than just Alk, Calc and Mag. It also releases trace elements sometimes not found in 2 part. I know for a fact that BRS 2 part has no trace elements so that could be why your colors used to be a little pale (i used to dose an all in one trace supplement but I ran out and just haven't ordered it again lol). The addition of trace elements such as Strontium, Potassium and others all take part in some type of color expression. Red sea does a good job of explaining what trace elements impact which colors. If you do water changes Salt mixes tend to have trace elements mixed but if you don't your corals probably used up all that was in the tank and the melt from the Calcium reactor is now elevating those levels once again.

 

[JOKER]

The specific media used in cal reactors can make a difference. Those in the know may be intetested in which brand you're using.

I am running dastaco media along with a dastaco RX.

 

[JOKER]

Like ycnibrc said switching to a calcium reactor and using that media turns out to release more than just Alk, Calc and Mag. It also releases trace elements sometimes not found in 2 part. I know for a fact that BRS 2 part has no trace elements so that could be why your colors used to be a little pale (i used to dose an all in one trace supplement but I ran out and just haven't ordered it again lol). The addition of trace elements such as Strontium, Potassium and others all take part in some type of color expression. Red sea does a good job of explaining what trace elements impact which colors. If you do water changes Salt mixes tend to have trace elements mixed but if you don't your corals probably used up all that was in the tank and the melt from the Calcium reactor is now elevating those levels once again.

I actually change 2 gallons a day with AWC, but that's it on the 180 ish total water volume. I use fritz salt, and I like how it mixes for me. Very stable so far.

 

[jda]

What are your actual N and P numbers? Ultra Low is below NSW which is about .1n and .01p, or else you are just natural, and not Ultra Low.

I would keep alk around 7.0 if you are around NSW with these. It is a good idea to keep alk around 7.0 anyway.

If you are changing water, then you have trace elements. Do not sweat this.

If you are feeding a good amount, then look at your lights... either quantity or quality.

As for CaRx media, natural has all kinds of other traces. Man-made stuff usually only has carbonate and calcium and sometimes some magnesium - I have no idea what the DaStaCo kind is.

 

[JOKER]

N is undetectable with any kits I have used recently, but has been as high as 5 a while back. P is 0 with hanna phosphate checker. I have the ultra low in my next order to see where it actually is. As for lighting, I run 250 watt radium MH, and T5. Will soon be adding Reef Brite LED soon. The dastaco is ultra pure media. It looks like marble chips. I always try to run at 7, nd I think calcium is around 400. I actually do not check it very often.