Drooping coral

[Arcrgirl]

Xenia might not care about the alk, but it will care about ph and it just took a major hit. That's why the xenia is so upset.

You need to fix your alk so that ph will come back up and stabilize.

Once you get it into a good range, you need to take about 3 days and test alk every day so you know what it's doing.

Preferably, all three major parameters.

Okay, I can do that, thanks!

 

[moz71]

Ok let’s try to figure out your lights! We will get you there. Lol. You say it came with the tank. What brand kind of tank did you buy? Can you take a picture of tank lights? That may help determine

 

[Arcrgirl]

Ok let’s try to figure out your lights! We will get you there. Lol. You say it came with the tank. What brand kind of tank did you buy? Can you take a picture of tank lights? That may help determine

Its an Aquaculture tank with the simple LED light chain that fits into the lid. It worked well for my planted fresh tank before I uprooted and upgraded them into a larger tank.
I've wanted to upgrade this lighting system to something without a lid but the lid has proven useful in keeping heat in this winter since I have the tank near the window.

 

[moz71]

Its an Aquaculture tank with the simple LED light chain that fits into the lid. It worked well for my planted fresh tank before I uprooted and upgraded them into a larger tank.
I've wanted to upgrade this lighting system to something without a lid but the lid has proven useful in keeping heat in this winter since I have the tank near the window.

I hear what you are saying but you are probably going to struggle keeping corals alive with those lights. I’m sorry. They are low powered and not right spectrum for coral. I know that’s a bummer. With those corals you can get a cheaper reef light. You do not need those overpriced expensive ones. Amazon has a bunch. even some reef light strips would be good. I know this hobby can be overwhelming

 

[Uncle99]

Corals require specialized lighting in the correct spectrum and with the correct intensity for long term mixed coral success.

They provide the energy required for photosynthetic processes.

That being said, the Xenia has been there one day, it’s a bit early I would say.

 

[mike550]

Hey @Arcrgirl welcome to R2R! I hope you’ll enjoy keeping a saltwater tank. I’m still a newbie — about a year and a half now. A few things I’ve learned. First, everyone will have an opinion, and is happy to help out. It’s best to try and figure out the facts and then find the best solution for yourself. Second, slow and steady works really well for tanks — don’t rush adding livestock.Your Xenia is still getting settled so dong worry. For now get your water parameters stabilized and then figure out your next step — sounds like it might be lights. Finally, there is so much to this hobby and it can feel overwhelming — same thing small steps forward not big leaps. Good luck!

 

[Arcrgirl]

I hear what you are saying but you are probably going to struggle keeping corals alive with those lights. I’m sorry. They are low powered and not right spectrum for coral. I know that’s a bummer. With those corals you can get a cheaper reef light. You do not need those overpriced expensive ones. Amazon has a bunch. even some reef light strips would be good. I know this hobby can be overwhelming

I'll definitely be investing in a better light thank you!

 

[vetteguy53081]

These guys are finicky requiring a level of nitrates in their water. They do best Upper half of tank under moderate light and water flow high in blue intensity
They also favor iron and iodine occasionally in their water environment.

 

[HB AL]

If accurate the 1 point drop in ph and 2 point drop in alk is definitely your issue and needs to be investigated to figure out if your testing and results are correct or not. If its somehow correct then you need to figure out asap what the cause was and rectify it as that big of change in those 2 params will cause many corals to not be happy and possibly end up dying.

 

[Pistondog]

Give him some time, xenia are tough, but need to adjust.
Longer term, as others said, a better light, like ai prime 16.
Ph likely low due to carbon dioxide from humans or pets in the air, which lowers ph.
Run an experiment by cracking (1/8") a nearby window for a few hours, if ph rises, you've reduced co2.
Alk seems a little low, what salt are you using?