Set Up Overview for Potential Trouble Spots

[Boochika]

If you look at my intro thread you'll see I love and want a tank full of LPS. Problem is I always have issues with polyp extension. I don't think it's lighting since I've rented a Par meter and taken multiple readings at different levels and not witnessed very many issues.

But if you look at my tank layout you'll see I could have a couple problems. I'm looking for some help and I've listed some potential solutions below them.

1. Not enough live rock to deflect flow.
- Rearrange rock ot make it a little higher to dampen flow?

- Add the 20lb rock I have in the fish shed outside I haven't had in the tank since the move. (this is my preferred option, but I'm not sure how safe it is to put in the tank since it's been out for so long)

2. My return (encircled in red) blows out constantly at the same angle toward the right side of my tank. It's not too strong but I'm estimating it's putting out about 600-700gph into the display and creating singular directional flow. I saw this because even with my powerheads off the frogspawn on the right side of the tank seems to be taking abuse.

- Add some simple PVC to deflect flow toward the center of the tank instead of the side

- Adjust flow on pump (sicce syncra 4, this is done mechanically at the inlet) to reduce pump intake volume

- Add loc line


Perhaps none of these issues above are my problem and I'm just not patient enough, but I've got a brand new acan and frogspawn really struggling in my tank right now with stable parameters that should be just about ideal.

77-78 degrees
PH 7.8-7.9
Alk 8.5
CA 430
mg 1350
No ammo, nitrite, or nitrate detectable.
Phosphates around .03.

Thanks for any help you can offer.

 

[SPR1968]

Corals ‘generally’ like plenty of random flow so if your blasting them from one side that might be an issue, but with zero nitrate, your waters very sterile and a good target is 5-10ppm. Phosphate is spot on very low.

I would increase nitrates by maybe adding more fish, or feeding them more, and also look at coral foods such as Reef Roids or reef energy as it’s possible the corals have no food

 

[Boochika]

Corals ‘generally’ like plenty of random flow so if your blasting them from one side that might be an issue

I think the flow is sort of random, especially with both powerheads hitting front glass and 'swirling around in a gyre formation somewhat. However, it still seems too violent on the frogspawn tentacles and the acan for what exposed flesh I can see.

It will be calm and wiggling them whip somewhat. I have PH's turned down all the way and it still seems to happen.

 

[SPR1968]

I think the flow is sort of random, especially with both powerheads hitting front glass and 'swirling around in a gyre formation somewhat. However, it still seems too violent on the frogspawn tentacles and the acan for what exposed flesh I can see.

It will be calm and wiggling them whip somewhat. I have PH's turned down all the way and it still seems to happen.

If it’s ‘violent’ flow try turning it down more if you can as they won’t like that definitely and see how you get on with that.

If you can’t potentially move the rock work to try and redirect flow etc

 

[Boochika]

I have a rather large rock I'd like to add to my tank to deflect flow. It's been out of the tank for about 6 months. Anything I need to do to prepare it for re-entry?