Coral is melting

[bradyrollie4]

Dkh is the common alk measurement in reefing. For example I try to keep mine at 8.5

Got it. I’m litterally headed to my LFS to do I in depth test. I have just the basic strips. Learning real fast I need to get the more expensive ones. Any suggestions on test kits?

 

[Mikeltee]

Hanna Checkers if you are serious about this hobby

 

[Mikeltee]

Nitrate HI782 Hanna Checker
Phoshate HI774 Hanna Checker
Alk HI772 Hanna Checker
Calcium HI758 Hanna Checker
Copper HI702 Hanna Checker
Silicates HI705 Hanna Checker
Magnesium Salifert

Here's the full list. You only need Nitrate and phospate right now. It's way too early for alk and coral

 

[Cycleguy0623]

Got it. I’m litterally headed to my LFS to do I in depth test. I have just the basic strips. Learning real fast I need to get the more expensive ones. Any suggestions on test kits?

Hannah checker for alk and nitrate. Red Sea for cal and Mag.

Consistency is much more important than specific numbers.

 

[randomfishdude]

Try and find out what the coral originally was.
It kind-of looks like a retracted kenya tree.

 

[bradyrollie4]

I just bought some seachem prime to counter the nitrate spike.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

A water change is a good way to counter a nitrate spike.

 

[Roatan Reef]

How long has tank been running?

Seems like you moved to fast.

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

I just bought some seachem prime to counter the nitrate spike.

Do not add that to your tank!

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

And nitrate of 40 is not high.

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

@bradyrollie4 , please read as much as you can before adding any more livestock (corals, inverts, or fish). This is a good place to start - https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.138750/

Saltwater is a whole different world than fresh. It sounds like you're not getting very good advice from your LFS, and you need to slow things down.

 

[Cycleguy0623]

I would not add that prime. In saltwater most of the chemical quick fixes will send you chasing from one thing to another. Much better off with a series of water changes and taking things slow. I can’t think of a single good thing that happens fast in reef keeping.

 

[bradyrollie4]

How long has tank been running?

Seems like you moved to fast.

I definitely moved to fast. About 4 weeks

 

[Justdrew]

180 ppm is 10.08 dKh

 

[thatmanMIKEson]

ditch the airstone, it's unnecessary and causes way to much salt creep in the main display.

 

[Roatan Reef]

I definitely moved to fast. About 4 weeks

Yep, as suspected, waaaaaaaaaaay too fast!!!!

 

[bradyrollie4]

@bradyrollie4 , please read as much as you can before adding any more livestock (corals, inverts, or fish). This is a good place to start - https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.138750/

Saltwater is a whole different world than fresh. It sounds like you're not getting very good advice from your LFS, and you need to slow things down.

Thats some good stuff right there. Thank you.

 

[Cycleguy0623]

I definitely moved to fast. About 4 weeks

You found one of the best places to learn saltwater possible here. Tons of experience and success with open sharing on here.

 

[bradyrollie4]

Thanks for all the help guys. I have taken a step back and have evaluated everything. Thank you.

 

[bradyrollie4]

ditch the airstone, it's unnecessary and causes way to much salt creep in the main display.

Just took it out. When do you know if you need a air stone? or is that mainly fresh water?