It's an interesting topic. I find many have confusion when they cannot understand why certain species do not thrive in their system, while other things grow like crazy. The disclaimer is always added....but, my measurements and water parameters are always excellent. What many fail to realize goes beyond lighting, Ca+ and salinity levels etc. Our tanks are literally a chemical soup. Many corals contain a host of compounds that they release into the water. We have no known way to measure these compounds in our home tanks. I remember reading years ago that a tank with many softies will be terrible for Euphyllia to grow. So, it is a lot of trial and error to see what will and will not thrive in our reef aquariums. I always remind myself that there is absolutely nothing "natural" about what goes on in our tanks. No place in nature has that many fish and corals per gallon. Waste and toxins are in much higher concentrations than in any natural setting. So, keep experimenting and enjoying. But, don't beat yourself up if a specific species you want to keep cannot thrive in your system. It may have nothing to do with things you can control.
Just to further drive the point home. I get a rash on my arm every time I work on my tank. Turns red...use steroid crème's to control it regularly. Funny how I can go to the beach, spend hours in the salt water...and have no problems at all. It's all in the chemical compounds and toxins you don't measure!!!
