My corals won't grow! Lighting issues???

[Russ265]

the ability to isolate one single variable (nitrate) w/o affecting other variables is the primary benefit of nitrate dosing. The benefactor of nitrate dosing in a true zero nitrate system is added coral coloration and growth. This is now my knowledge as I have learned from a few good guys on this forum. @twilliard , @Russ265

here is my take on it.
the thread is about growth... not color.

i wish nitrate dosing was the cure for everything but in this case it is a hinderence. zooxanthellae and your coral will be competing for DIC (alk) and for coloration we would up nutrients.

in this case. my best advice would be to do 2 things.

peak lighting should be between 6-8 hours.
you also need MORE peak lighting.

if your alk and calcium are like that normally, it can only be the lights ime.

get a blackbox from mike herman (i forgot his username) or find one on ebay. mars aqua is the el cheapo brand but does it's job.

blues and whites will both grow coral