Second opinion on LPS and Zoa problems

[sstanley223]

Hello! If anyone has time to read this I'd appreciate a second opinion. I have a new system (10 months). My nutrient and mineral levels are po4 is .02, no3 is 4, mg1380, dkh 7.9, ca 460. The tank has gone through ups and downs but seems to have stabilized. The problem I'm having is my acans, favia and mini brain and all the zoanthids have slowly been receding until they disappear. Same thing to a hammer and torch colony about 3 months ago. I thought at first this was due to an immature tank but the problem persists. I've also tried testers of monti digi, monti cap, stylo, and seriatipora. All bleach in a matter of weeks. There are duncans candy canes, mushrooms etc that are actually thriving though. Im experienced enough to manage the water quality. My concerns are the hawiian black sand I used may be leaching heavy metals or I have a pest. At one point I has a wrasse picking at a dead monti skeleton. Before I order some ICP tests and start dipping corals I wondered what other might see that I am overlooking?? Other system info: 36gal display, eshopps r100 sump, aquamaxx q1 skimmer, marine pure and a small carbon reactor and 2 kessil a360 lamps. Thanks in advance! Stan

 

[P-Dub]

Hey, Stan! That is a head scratcher for sure. There are often things going on that we can't test for. If it were my tank, I would go for an ICP test and run from there. It may reveal something out of line that can then be addressed. If it reveals nothing too out of whack then it hs revealed that there is something else going on. At that point, you can then start down the process of elimination road. I think the test will be a great way to help you narrow down the list of suspects.