Paling SPS

Fishfinder · Jul 9, 2018

The majority of my SPS have paled out over the last week. Growth has slowed some also. All pieces still have great polyp extension. Just a lack of color. I'm attributing it to the fact that my nutrients got too low. Nothing else in my system has changed. NO3 got to 0.0, PO4 was 4ppb. Does this diagnosis sound correct? Also After nutrients have been corrected, how long until I should see color come back?

TexasTodd · Jul 9, 2018

Correct assumption. You might also dial your lights back a bit 10-20% (not points, percent) for a couple of weeks.

Highgrade · Jul 9, 2018

Fishfinder said:
The majority of my SPS have paled out over the last week. Growth has slowed some also. All pieces still have great polyp extension. Just a lack of color. I'm attributing it to the fact that my nutrients got too low. Nothing else in my system has changed. NO3 got to 0.0, PO4 was 4ppb. Does this diagnosis sound correct? Also After nutrients have been corrected, how long until I should see color come back?

I'm in the same boat as you with one of my SPS tanks. Same exact NO3 0.0 and PO4 4 ppm. I think my NO3 dropped when I performed a large water change and vacuumed the sand bed. I started feeding more and dosing Brighwell NeoNitro. I've seen a big improvement in color in the past week.

Fishfinder · Jul 9, 2018

Thanks for the replies. I'll see how it takes to get good color back. @TexasTodd I cant really turn down lights due to my clams

ctpeasy · Jul 9, 2018

Critical to not spike KH until you get your numbers correct.

Fishfinder · Jul 9, 2018

Don't have any issue there. havent fluctuated .5 since the tank has been running

BoomCorals · Jul 9, 2018

Fishfinder said:
Don't have any issue there. havent fluctuated .5 since the tank has been running

Be prepared for a possible quick reduction in ALK uptake by corals though which could cause an ALK spike.

Fishfinder · Jul 9, 2018

Hey @BoomCorals that red table is so nice. It's all encrusted on the rocks already

Fishfinder · Jul 9, 2018

What's the general consensus until I get good color back?

BoomCorals · Jul 9, 2018

Fishfinder said:
Hey @BoomCorals that red table is so nice. It's all encrusted on the rocks already

Great stuff! As for your tank, the best thing you can do is provide stability. It takes time to get color back. There is no magic fix, just a good stable tank.