LPS/Euphyllia Constantly Struggling

[jgabbsxx]

Hi Reefers.

I have an LPS/Euphyllia dominant tank and constantly have troubles keeping these guys happy/alive for longer than a few months. I purchase them and for several weeks they flourish, and some have even split. I've struggled with flatworms several times as well as BJD when I first started adding corals to my tank and have since managed that. In my opinion, it is almost as if my euphyllia just shrivel up and die after being in my tank for a few weeks/months. If anyone has any type of suggestions on what you think may be happening, I am all ears.

I am terrible at testing my tank as I just add what looks necessary according to how my corals look. I do not frequent water changes, but I do change my 2 filters weekly. My lighting is on from 10AM until 10PM with peak at around 1PM then slowly ramps down to the end of the day. I have 2 AI Primes.

My tank contains 4 fish in total; 2 wrasse, 1 purple tang, & 1 niger trigger. I have a CUC of snails and crabs but need to replenish.

• Temp: 77-78 degrees
• pH: 8
• Salinity : .025
• NO3: 20-30 (Struggling to lower)
• Ca: 440
• PO4: .25-.50 (Depends on the day)
• Ammonia and nitrites: 0

 

[vetteguy53081]

Hi Reefers.

I have an LPS/Euphyllia dominant tank and constantly have troubles keeping these guys happy/alive for longer than a few months. I purchase them and for several weeks they flourish, and some have even split. I've struggled with flatworms several times as well as BJD when I first started adding corals to my tank and have since managed that. In my opinion, it is almost as if my euphyllia just shrivel up and die after being in my tank for a few weeks/months. If anyone has any type of suggestions on what you think may be happening, I am all ears.

I am terrible at testing my tank as I just add what looks necessary according to how my corals look. I do not frequent water changes, but I do change my 2 filters weekly. My lighting is on from 10AM until 10PM with peak at around 1PM then slowly ramps down to the end of the day. I have 2 AI Primes.

My tank contains 4 fish in total; 2 wrasse, 1 purple tang, & 1 niger trigger. I have a CUC of snails and crabs but need to replenish.

• Temp: 77-78 degrees
• pH: 8
• Salinity : .025
• NO3: 20-30 (Struggling to lower)
• Ca: 440
• PO4: .25-.50 (Depends on the day)
• Ammonia and nitrites: 0

Phosphates likely issue. you want .06 - .1 and Nitrates fine if true. I suspect you are using API master kit which can be tricky and I encourage you to take a water sample to a store that does NOT use Api kits and have them test your ammonia and nitrates and compare readings- then you'll know where your levels truly are at

 

[jgabbsxx]

Phosphates likely issue. you want .06 - .1 and Nitrates fine if true. I suspect you are using API master kit which can be tricky and I encourage you to take a water sample to a store that does NOT use Api kits and have them test your ammonia and nitrates and compare readings- then you'll know where your levels truly are at

I am using the API Master kit....and yes, I do know I should use another method. Looks like I will make my way to a LFS this weekend to see if they can get me all tested out. I have been looking into the Hanna kits, just don't want to spend that type of money yet.

 

[jimk60]

Your niger trigger may or may not be bothering your corals. They're pretty much hit or miss when it comes to corals so I would definitely be keeping an eye on him. Your tank is also way too small for him and a tang.