Low salinity the culprit?

[MTsquared]

So I am trying to pinpoint what’s going on with my SPS frags. Experienced reefer that recently (6mo ago) upgraded to a larger tank and decided to add SPS - previous tanks was primarily LPS and Zoas. I have purchased several SPS frags from varying places and they look great for a few days and then within a couple of weeks they basically bleach the skin melts off and they die. I have no idea what’s causing this as I test my water regularly and do weekly or bi-weekly water changes (DT is Waterbox 130.4, ~100g display and ~20g sump) I typically do a 20-25g water change. I tested my water yesterday and here is what my got:
Alk 7.8
Calcium 440
Mag 1320
Ph 8-8.2 (Apex)
Salinity 1.023
I am at a loss and confused as all the parameters look great with the exception of the salinity being a little low. Could this be causing my SPS issues? I have some easier SPS and some Acros and same results. Mixed reef and most everything else seems to be doing well. Thanks in advance or any guidance on what else to check/ look for.

 

[Duffer]

what are your nutrients? meaning what is your phosphates and nitrates. I find there is a balance and when these go off my sps show me they are not happy.

 

[Dr. Jim]

Yes, 1.023 could be an issue, especially if your calibration is off a little (in which case it could be lower than 1.023). In any case, it probably isn't helping things at that level.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Salinity is in part
Recommended:
Salinity 1.025
Temperature. 76-79
Ca. 450
Mag. 1300
Alk. 8-9
Ph. 8.2
Nitrate. .04
Phosphate. < .05
Ammonia <. .03

 

[MTsquared]

Phosphate test kit will be here end of the week. Will check nitrates shortly.

 

[MTsquared]

According to the guy at LFS the Nitrate is <1 and the Phosphate is 0.00 - not sure what test kits he used.

 

[MTsquared]

I just measured using API test kit and got 0 Phosphate and ~5ppm for Nitrate.

 

[I’m Batman]

Time to dose No3 and Po4?

 

[MTsquared]

Time to dose No3 and Po4?

What’s involved with that?

 

[MTsquared]

Time to dose No3 and Po4?

I was looking on BRS and didn’t see any No3 and Po4 additives? What brand(s) do you recommend? Any help here is appreciated.

 

[I’m Batman]

I’ve been using the Brightwell. NeoPhos and NeoNitro. Simple calculation on the directions.

Dose until you get the reading you’re targeting

 

[MTsquared]

I’ve been using the Brightwell. NeoPhos and NeoNitro. Simple calculation on the directions.

Dose until you get the reading you’re targeting

Thanks I’ll check those out. What levels do you target? Never thought I’d have to dose NO3 and PO4 it’s always been trying to lower those lol.

 

[MTsquared]

Ordered the Brightwell NeoNitro and NeoPhos as LFS didn’t carry it. In the meantime would you suggest turning the skimmer off? I guess I can skip the water change this week too?

 

[Reverend Turtle]

Maybe put your skimmer on a timer to run just a few hours a day, see if that improves your nutrient levels.

 

[Manny Tavan]

before you start dosing, get yourself better test kits for nitrate and phos

 

[Manny Tavan]

also is your alk always 7.8 or does it swing before and after water changes

 

[MTsquared]

Maybe put your skimmer on a timer to run just a few hours a day, see if that improves your nutrient levels.

Use an apex so will need to figure out how to do that as I know the predefined setting is for always on.

before you start dosing, get yourself better test kits for nitrate and phos

Yes I know API is not great. I have a Hanna phosphate ulr checker on the way should be here today or tomorrow. Will likely order a salifert kit for nitrates.

 

[MTsquared]

also is your alk always 7.8 or does it swing before and after water changes

Alk generally stays around 7.8 based on what I have seen and testing. I supplement to get it up in the 8-8.2 range using the BRS soda ash liquid.

 

[I’m Batman]

Thanks I’ll check those out. What levels do you target? Never thought I’d have to dose NO3 and PO4 it’s always been trying to lower those lol.

I target 30-45ppb or .1 - .15ppm Po4. Nitrates I’m targeting 5-10ppm. Using Hanna HI-736 for Po4 and Red Sea Nitrate kit.

 

[Softhammer]

Feed more. I would definitely not dose unless you are completely sure about what you are doing. Surf the threads here and you will find more horror stories of dosing crap. Get more fish and feed them. Way more satisfying than pouring in needless chemicals.