Not off to a hot start...

Smitty_13 · Feb 27, 2014

Started my 30 gallon cube over 3 months ago. Cycle went well, add 2 common clowns and all was still well. The problem is when the 2 new coral frags were added. Good patch of Xenia and 3 polyps of zoa. Xenia slowly melted and the zoa has not opened since it hit my water. Tank parameters Ammonia-0, Nitrates-0, SG-1.023, Temp 76-77. 15 lbs live rock. 20 lbs of dry rock added about 2 weeks ago. Lighting marineland reef capable led 18-24. For flow I am using 2 520 GPH water circulation. I know the marinland is not the greatest lighting but I think I can get by with softies and zoas for a while until I get up more funds.

I have saltwater master test kit and Reef master test kit being shipped as we speak and will be here tomorrow so I will have a better grasp on what all is going on in the water. I was just looking for a starting place as to what could be going on? I know at this point it is speculation until I test everything, but any input is better than nothing since I am fairly new to saltwater.

Reefing Madness · Feb 27, 2014

Your right, w'd just be guessing, and would need the Cal, ALk, Mag, Phosphate and PH readings. But your SG is low, I'd bring it up to at least 1.025, your also quite short on your rock, you should at least have 1lb ler gallon for bacteria growth. Marineland should be fine over your tank, they use 1w leds.

Smitty_13 · Feb 27, 2014

Reefing Madness said:
Your right, w'd just be guessing, and would need the Cal, ALk, Mag, Phosphate and PH readings. But your SG is low, I'd bring it up to at least 1.025

+1, I will post these results as soon as I get those test in my hand. I am hoping there is something that is out of balance so I will have some since of direction and road to recovery

As far as my Rock situation, I am curious to why you fell this isn't enough? I have a fairly small bioload with not trace of ammonia or nitrates? This debate has always confused me.

a49panhead · Feb 27, 2014

how did u acclimate?

Smitty_13 · Feb 27, 2014

Floated a container adding a shot glass full of tank water every 10 mins for 2 hours

twintrades · Feb 27, 2014

It can varry with what type of rock you have. verry porus rock will do more good than a tonga branch type rock. The 1Lb per gallon rule is a fail safe rule guessing you have the cheapest (heavest dense) rock there is.

Marine land leds are ........... well............ crap. I know its what you have to work with but 1w leds on a 30 cube is a BIG stretch for them. 1 watt and no optics will have almost 0 par on your sand bed. Place them up higher under the lights and see if you get a responce. being set up for just 3 months im betting your cal,mag,alk ect are just fine. You dont have anything in there sucking it up yet. But bump up your SG to 1.025. And FYI some people just cant keep xenia. I have a buddy that has SPS lps and zoas...... Xenia just melts lol.

Good luck and welcome to the addiction !

twintrades · Feb 27, 2014

And corals just need to be temp acclimated. Just float the bag for a while in the water, DIP in some kinda coral dip ( i use revive) and place in the tank. No need to drip, there not like fish. just tossem in ! lol

Smitty_13 · Feb 27, 2014

twintrades said:
And corals just need to be temp acclimated. Just float the bag for a while in the water, DIP in some kinda coral dip ( i use revive) and place in the tank. No need to drip, there not like fish. just tossem in ! lol

Thanks for this info, was not aware of this.

The leds have lenses over them. I wonder if I take those off if it will intensify the lights but reduce the coverage area? And yes I know this lighting is very sub-par, but for 30 bucks and a little electrical tinkering I didn't think it was to bad of a deal.

Smitty_13 · Feb 28, 2014

Results are in....!

Using the API saltwater and reef master kits.

Temp - 79 F
Salinity - 1.024
Ammonia - 0 ppm
Nitrite - 0 ppm
Nitrate - 10 ppm
Alkalinity - 11 dkhPhosphate - 0
Calcium - 160

The nitrates were closer to 20 ppm until I done a small water change and brought it down to 10ppm. Also bought some reef crystals to try and get the calcium up.
Thank for any further help on this subject it is much appreciated!!

Smitty_13 · Feb 28, 2014

PH - 8.2
sorry left that one out

mike007 · Feb 28, 2014

If that is the correct calcium level you are way low. You need to be at 400- 425 ppm. Salinity 1.025- 1.026. Can you have your lfs double check your results?