Too clean or too dirty. Please read.

[kzenoni]

Here is the situation. 6 months ago I bought a tank set up , 350 gallon lightly stocked mixed reef. Among the corals was a very nice NY nick’s torch. I had the torch fragged into 4 double heads. I have to my friends and family that helped move tank. My good friend that helped also talked me into trying saltwater as he has been doing it for quite awhile. His tank in beautiful, white sand and spotless. That’s the backstory
I’ve got my tank for 6 months trying my own way. I don’t run filter socks or skimmer, don’t do water changes and feed heavy. My friend does things by the book. He asked for f he could put his torches in my tank cause his tank is not doing well. Thus the pictures.
The first picture is my double head now and the second is his, sand rake is for size reference. Please give me your thoughts.

 

[happyhourhero]

I’m not sure what the exact question is but I would guess that your torch is enjoying the more nutrient rich environment of your tank in comparison to that of yours friend’s. There are quite a few other variables from tank to tank but if we are asking, “do lps like a dirtier or cleaner tank?” Most would say they prefer bathing in detritus.

 

[Utubereefer]

Be careful with your method…

 

[kzenoni]

I totally understand and agree . Looking for information or thoughts about the setup and system. New to saltwater tank but not to tanks or saltwater lol. If I understand correctly, the tank itself is an ecosystem of its own. The more life and natural growth the better it should do. I do run a skimmer or sock once a week to clear bigger bits. Thanks for responding

 

[thatmanMIKEson]

I agree with the tight rope walking...

I could go deeper if you want, but im about to go do a water change after this.......

 

[Jekyl]

Without knowing parameters and lighting of each tank you can't really make an argument. Just because you feed heavy and what not doesn't say much.

 

[Ghost25]

My thought is you should test your water, that will give you an idea of what's going on better than looking at a single torch. I'd also say, if you do a big water change, I'm willing to bet your corals perk up.