Birdsnest coral bleaching!

[mushrommy]

I moved it to a lower spot with more flow but it's getting worse.
Phosphate: . 25
Nitrate: around 0
Alk: 8
Calcium: 470
I ran out of magnesium testing kit.
Is my phosphates too much? Thanks!
My other corals also really like the tank! This is my first sps so I may be doing something wrong.

 

[Dom]

What lighting do you use?

What are the dimensions of your tank (LxWxH)?

 

[mushrommy]

What lighting do you use?

What are the dimensions of your tank (LxWxH)?

I use Mars aqua 300 watt. My tank is a 52 gallon corner.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

Looks like you are using API test kit, which is not very accurate for nitrate and phosphate, would suggest to upgrade the test kit when you have a chance.

 

[Dom]

I use Mars aqua 300 watt. My tank is a 52 gallon corner.

What are the actual dimensions of the tank (LxWxH)?

Here is why I ask...

Lighting

The lighting demands of a Reef Tank are far greater than that of a Fish Only With Live Rock setup. So when choosing a light for your reef tank, consider the following: Light Spread. When we speak o…

wikireef.com

 

[mushrommy]

What are the actual dimensions of the tank (LxWxH)?

Here is why I ask...

Lighting

The lighting demands of a Reef Tank are far greater than that of a Fish Only With Live Rock setup. So when choosing a light for your reef tank, consider the following: Light Spread. When we speak o…

wikireef.com

43x27x21

 

[mushrommy]

Looks like you are using API test kit, which is not very accurate for nitrate and phosphate, would suggest to upgrade the test kit when you have a chance.

Wow, I didn't know, I'll definitely upgrade when I have the chance.

 

[Cichlid Dad]

I have 3 large birds nest grown from 1inch frags. I keep mine in 150 180 par . I don't have experience with your lighting mine is t5, but it's possible there was too much light for the coral. If there is a healthy piece you can frag it and start from there . These grow fast.

 

[mushrommy]

I have 3 large birds nest grown from 1inch frags. I keep mine in 150 180 par . I don't have experience with your lighting mine is t5, but it's possible there was too much light for the coral. If there is a healthy piece you can frag it and start from there . These grow fast.

Ok, I'll frag. But it's continuing to die, even if I moved it to a lower spot. Could my hermit crabs that are climbing on it be a problem?

 

[Cichlid Dad]

Ok, I'll frag. But it's continuing to die, even if I moved it to a lower spot. Could my hermit crabs that are climbing on it be a problem?

I can't say for sure , but I n my reef I have a emerald crab that routinely hangs out in n my birds nest chilling, no issues. Keep your new frag low in the tank until you see a comeback and good new growth. Alk should be 8-10 and kept as steady as possible. These were started as 1inch frags. Birds nest are very hardy and forgiving.

 

[Dom]

43x27x21

This is the product description I was able to find on your light...

Product Description ​

Lumen: 7489lumen Decibel of the light: About 58.9DB Par: 28par for lens can output more par Recommend for: 1 300w unit is suitable for a 960mmx60mm tank Product Dimension: 800*180*63mm Worldwide Voltage Capable: AC85~265V View Angle of LEDs: 90/120 degree Mixed Lifespan: 50000-100000hours

It certainly seems like you light is adequate.

 

[mushrommy]

I decided to frag the birdsnest. I placed them on a lower surface and higher flow area. They are already showing polyps. I'll update.

 

[dschuffert]

I have experienced the same bleaching when my lighting is too much. This happened to me a few times during lighting acclimation. For me, in all cases, I much the colony to a lower PAR area, and within a few days, the color starts coming back; after a week, it all comes back.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I moved it to a lower spot with more flow but it's getting worse.
Phosphate: . 25
Nitrate: around 0
Alk: 8
Calcium: 470
I ran out of magnesium testing kit.
Is my phosphates too much? Thanks!
My other corals also really like the tank! This is my first sps so I may be doing something wrong.

With your lighting not high in PAR, I would elevate it in path of medium flow. Calcium of at least 4oo needed and they do well in elevated nitrate but not phos. Mine has grown 10x the size as its a very hardy specimen

 

[Cichlid Dad]

With your lighting not high in PAR, I would elevate it in path of medium flow. Calcium of at least 4oo needed and they do well in elevated nitrate but not phos. Mine has grown 10x the size as its a very hardy specimen

Nice birds nest! Cichlid Dad humbled

 

[mushrommy]

The situation is getting worse the frags aren't doing that well