Torches, hammers and other LPS dying

[Ultraman]

In my softy LPS tank I’ve been losing heads of torch and Frogspawn, as well as some encrusting LPS, and a large colony of blastomussa. My nitrate is 8-15, phosphate is controlled with GFO, usually less than .15. My only parameter that’s out of whack long term is calcium of 760. My alkalinity is 8-9dKh. I dialed down my calcium reactor a bit and was going for the slow reduction of calcium. Any long term LPS folks thing the calcium is my issue? The only other thing I did a couple months back was diflucan for some hair algae that nothing ate but it didn’t touch it, but it’s not widespread

 

[Ultraman]

Few pics

 

[Ultraman]

These colonies are 10 plus years old.

 

[Lavey29]

To much calcium can kill organisms in reef tanks especially inverts and fish.

 

[Ultraman]

To much calcium can kill organisms in reef tanks especially inverts and fish.

Those are all fine

 

[Lavey29]

Those are all fine

So it's only affecting your corals then

 

[Ultraman]

Whole tank

 

[Ultraman]

So it's only affecting your corals then

Yes

 

[Ultraman]

I’ve been at this for 25 years and have had high calcium levels in the 600 range, but not 760.

 

[Lavey29]

I’ve been at this for 25 years and have had high calcium levels in the 600 range, but not 760.

Well if you have 10 year old colonies and the calcium is the only drastic event recently then you know what's causing the coral issues. I wonder if slowly raising alk will help lower your calcium through increased consumption?

 

[vetteguy53081]

In my softy LPS tank I’ve been losing heads of torch and Frogspawn, as well as some encrusting LPS, and a large colony of blastomussa. My nitrate is 8-15, phosphate is controlled with GFO, usually less than .15. My only parameter that’s out of whack long term is calcium of 760. My alkalinity is 8-9dKh. I dialed down my calcium reactor a bit and was going for the slow reduction of calcium. Any long term LPS folks thing the calcium is my issue? The only other thing I did a couple months back was diflucan for some hair algae that nothing ate but it didn’t touch it, but it’s not widespread

Wow on calcium level if accurate. Im surprised things arent worse.
Slow is fine but will take some time. You can resort to 3-5 gallon changes daily with water low in calcium or slowly increasing alk will bring down CA But pay Close attention to alk levels which can also alter ph as it acts as a stimulant for Ph.
Opposed to alk, there are no additives like vinegar etc to lower CA quicker

 

[Ultraman]

I definitely overshot my calcium! I think a large water change will reduce the calcium. Thing with calcium reactors is you’re supplementing both alkalinity and calcium. Another dumb thing I did was reduce my salinity over time and it was down to 1.020 or 1.021, then I added super concentrated saltwater for tip-off causing the high calcium in the first place. Sometimes I just think I’m an idiot!

Appreciate your willingness to help me!!!

 

[Ultraman]

Wow on calcium level if accurate. Im surprised things arent worse.
Slow is fine but will take some time. You can resort to 3-5 gallon changes daily with water low in calcium or slowly increasing alk will bring down CA But pay Close attention to alk levels which can also alter ph as it acts as a stimulant for Ph.
Opposed to alk, there are no additives like vinegar erc to lower CA quicker

My few SPS in this tank are doing great. Hopefully they stay great.

 

[Outlaw Corals]

Sounds like that calcium is burning them

 

[archercorals]

Stop the ca reactor and only dose Alk until it comes down to desired level.

 

[Lavey29]

Stop the ca reactor and only dose Alk until it comes down to desired level.

Agreed, I don't think water changes will lower calcium much. Just really slowly.

 

[Ultraman]

Stop the ca reactor and only dose Alk until it comes down to desired level.

That’s a great idea!