Help with ugly stage and tank lighting

devin.reed2000 · Sep 18, 2023

My tank is going through the uglies right now and I also just got a new G6 Radion XR15 Blue which I’m stoked about. I am borrowing a friend’s PAR meter and have dialed in the light just fine. Below is a picture with some PAR level readings I got (I’d like to grow LPS and softies mainly). Currently I have some softies (Zoas, Xenia and GSP).

My question is, since I’m in the uglies, should I leave the lights on to achieve the PAR levels above for the corals? Or should I not run the lights as high while in the ugly stage? Thanks in advance as I’m new to reefing. I know my tank needs to get thru the uglies but it’s not fun to look at

Lemons · Sep 18, 2023

No corals in tank yet? Why run the lights??? You'll just be farming the uggos

devin.reed2000 · Sep 18, 2023

Lemons said:
No corals in tank yet? Why run the lights??? You'll just be farming the uggos

Didn’t mention I have some zoas on the right, xenia on left and GSP in middle.

7of9 · Sep 18, 2023

devin.reed2000 said:
Didn’t mention I have some zoas on the right, xenia on left and GSP in middle.

I’d leave the lights on for the corals and increase CUC and make sure you’re doing your water changes. It will pass.

devin.reed2000 · Sep 18, 2023

7of9 said:
I’d leave the lights on for the corals and increase CUC and make sure you’re doing your water changes. It will pass.

Thanks. I just got a few more snails and will keep an eye and increase accordingly.

Lemons · Sep 18, 2023

Ahh yea then add some pods, snails, other CUC and ride her out! Takes a bit but it'll be worth it!

HudsonReefer2.0 · Sep 18, 2023

U could lower the intensity for now since u have low light corals. If need be Mayb move them up higher in tank until system settles some. Pods help. Some good vids.

EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal · Sep 18, 2023

You're going to get the uglies regardless. Might as well get through them now than wait until you have more coral.

devin.reed2000 · Sep 18, 2023

EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal said:
You're going to get the uglies regardless. Might as well get through them now than wait until you have more coral.

Yup that’s what I’m starting to realize. Thanks.

devin.reed2000 · Sep 19, 2023

EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal said:
You're going to get the uglies regardless. Might as well get through them now than wait until you have more coral.

@Lemons @7of9 @HudsonReefer2.0
Any idea what this means? Seeing lots of bubbles everywhere, especially on glass and near algae spots on rocks. Turned whites on to get pic.

Oldreefer44 · Sep 19, 2023

Means the process is ongoing and the only thing you need is patience. After that more patience.

devin.reed2000 · Sep 19, 2023

Oldreefer44 said:
Means the process is ongoing and the only thing you need is patience. After that more patience.

Wasn’t sure if it was bubble algae, i got concerned lol.

EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal · Sep 19, 2023

devin.reed2000 said:
Wasn’t sure if it was bubble algae, i got concerned lol.

Algae produces oxygen through photosynthesis. Air bubbles will happen. (And bubble algae is not the end of the world by any means...)

vetteguy53081 · Sep 19, 2023

devin.reed2000 said:
My tank is going through the uglies right now and I also just got a new G6 Radion XR15 Blue which I’m stoked about. I am borrowing a friend’s PAR meter and have dialed in the light just fine. Below is a picture with some PAR level readings I got (I’d like to grow LPS and softies mainly). Currently I have some softies (Zoas, Xenia and GSP).
My question is, since I’m in the uglies, should I leave the lights on to achieve the PAR levels above for the corals? Or should I not run the lights as high while in the ugly stage? Thanks in advance as I’m new to reefing. I know my tank needs to get thru the uglies but it’s not fun to look at

Please post another pic and future pics under white light intensity for clear i.d
This pic is extremely dark in blue hue