Feeding corals

[Kelsey Fletcher]

So, I have some pulsing xenia and some green galaxea corals that i have had a few months now. The xenia is doing great and blooming all the time, but the galaxea has browned some. Any tips to help improve the green color? I use the Baking soda and prestone driveway heat once a week and do 21mL of each and that has helped some but are there any other suggestions? The galaxea uses a lot of calcium but the PDH and BS keeps it balanced.

 

[Instigate]

What are your phosphate and nitrate levels?

 

[Kelsey Fletcher]

Nitrate is 2.5 ppm and phosphate is .15 ppm

 

[Instigate]

Nitrate is 2.5 ppm and phosphate is .15 ppm

Phosphate seems a bit high but someone with more experience will comment I'm sure. I have read that high po4 can cause corals to brown but no idea if .15 is enough to cause that. I had mine up at .1 for a long time with no ill effects. I think po4 target should be like .08-.03. I think that's what was recommended to me.

 

[Kelsey Fletcher]

yes well it is inbetween .0 and .25 so I dont know the exact number. Thanks for the comment though!!

 

[Literallyhydro]

Between 0 and 0.25, are you using the API test kit? Particularly for phosphate that kit isn't going to work at all for a reef tank. I would look into a different kit, I use a Hanna checker for my phosphate, with a Salifert kit for a second opinion.

I would aim for 0.03-0.1 for phosphate.

 

[Kelsey Fletcher]

Between 0 and 0.25, are you using the API test kit? Particularly for phosphate, that kit isn't going to work at all for a reef tank. I would look into a different kit, I use a Hanna checker for my phosphate, with a Salifert kit for a second opinion.

I would aim for 0.03-0.1 for phosphate.

Yes, I am using the API test kit. I will look into it!! Thanks!

 

[Jeremy Luke]

If you do buy the Hanna Meter, make sure you purchase the ULR version. It's much better for reef tank needs.

 

[Jeremy Luke]

But really, I doubt that phosphate below .25 is causing the browning of that coral. What type of light are you using? What size tank is it?

 

[Kelsey Fletcher]

I have two full spectrum just hanging lights in a 55-gallon tank. I don't know the brand but they are very good quality and nice lights.

 

[Literallyhydro]

I have two full spectrum just hanging lights in a 55-gallon tank. I don't know the brand but they are very good quality and nice lights.

Are they LEDs?

 

[USMA36]

Full spectrum as in meant for reef lights? Or when you say hanging, do you mean full spectrum hanging bulbs one would pick up at Home Depot? Be careful adding things to your tank that aren’t meant for it, or at least not food grade or medical grade. If it’s not food or medical grade there’s no guarantee how it’s made, what’s in it, or how exacting their clamimed purity of ingredients are. Bulk reef supply sells pure calcium chloride. It costs a little more but it’s guarunteed pure. 10.00 or somper gallon. Some people have reported that their heavy metals have spiked using calcium chloride from pool stores and other locations when they send water in for ICP testing. It will only take one contaminated batch to wipe out your tank.

 

[Jeremy Luke]

When keeping corals, water quality, water flow and light are very important. The type of coral you have indicated you are keeping are more forgiving than the various types of SPS coral but you still need to ensure you are providing enough of the right spectrum of light. Is the light you are using manufactured for marine aquariums? Your coral will not survive if they cannot perform photosynthesis.

 

[Susan Edwards]

Hanna is great for po4. I used others and was getting 0 readings when they were not at zero. I believe you want to be under .1 Phosguard helps when it go too high. You need some but not way over.

 

[Susan Edwards]

I'd also get some coral food to feed. I don't think the xenia cares but the other might benefit: reef roids, oyster fest, rods, etc. It's powder. You just mix and add to water or target feed.