Coral Issues (Some Thriving, Some Dying)

[TMORGAN1980]

Not new to reef tanks but this is the first one I've had in 10 years. Been up and running for about 6 months now and I can't seem to get my corals to all be happy at the same time

Fluval 32.5

pH---8.1
Alk---10.3
Calc---450
Mag---1250
Salnity---1.026
Temp---77.4

Test nitrites and nitrates weekly. Always fine

The issues are not consistent through types of corals. Most softies are doing great. Spreading or dropping clones all the time.
1/2 of my hard corals are doing great. Brain corals and encrusting corals seem to be doing the best.

Having issues with duncans withering away as well as candy canes.
Also have a few pagoda cups are not extending polyps, ever. They are keeping their green hue but nothing comes out like in the LFS

Is there another parameter I need to start measuring that would make certain corals die off/hibernate while others thrive? Phosphates?

Currently have Fluval Marine LED lighting. I recently turned them down under the guess I may be burning the corals but that has had no effect on anything as of yet. Should I continue to turn the lights lower?

Thanks for any insights

T

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

Where do you place the duncans and candy canes? To me, 'withering away' could mean not enough light, but I'm just guessing. Fluval lights are not very strong, I don't think turning them down is the answer.

These are pretty easy corals that should be fine in a 6 month old tank, your pararmeters are fine. Alk a little high and mag a little low, but not a big deal to cause withering away.

IMO, its a low light issue, Hopefully others have better idea's.

 

[Lavey29]

There is no reason to test nitrites in a salt tank. What are you phosphate and nitrate numbers? You want phosphate at .05 to .1 and nitrate 10 to 15 for LPS corals.

 

[ovicez2004]

Same here. Nitrate 5, Ph 0.03, Alk 10.3, calcium 450, Mg do not know, Ph 8.05. I don't have dying corals, but nothing looks like other's tanks on youtube. Corals: zoa, green pavona, blue pavona, hydnophora, rhodactis, xenia, kenya tree, candy cane. 20 gallon nano with 6 gallon chaeto refugium.