What would you do about this?

[dbg]

This pulsing xenia and starburst coral are not looking too hot. I'm new to coral... what would you do? My tank has a coating of green algae (cyano?) on the sand too, and I would like to get rid of that as well. I've been doing weekly 5 gal water changes, and my pH = 8.2, temp = 79F, nitrite = 0ppm, nitrate = 0 ppm, ammonia = 0 ppm. Also, I had a neon green birdsnest completely bleach and die about two weeks ago =(

The weird thing is that my mushrooms, zoanthids, and clove polyps are thriving right now... making new colonies even! The fish are fine as well! Whats the secret?!

thanks =)

 

[dbg]

Also, just saw in another post that high temp and improper alkalinity could have done it?

 

[ritter6788]

What is your alk? Are you dosing or adding anything?

 

[Eric B]

I would also test for phosphate's along with alk, calcium and mag. Those are the 4 things I test and worry about the most in a reef tank.

 

[dbg]

I'm not dosing or adding anything, and I only have a basic API saltwater test kit for ammonia, pH, nitrite and nitrate. Any suggestions for a good kit to test for those other things?

 

[ritter6788]

I'm not dosing or adding anything, and I only have a basic API saltwater test kit for ammonia, pH, nitrite and nitrate. Any suggestions for a good kit to test for those other things?

The API for alk is ok. For phosphates you'll need to look into something like a Hanna checker or another test with a low end reading.

 

[dbg]

Alright, good to know. Ritter6788, why does your name say "say no to clove polyps" ...I have clove polyps, are they bad?!

 

[ritter6788]

Alright, good to know. Ritter6788, why does your name say "say no to clove polyps" ...I have clove polyps, are they bad?!

The little blue snowflakes are bad. Almost took over my whole tank.

 

[mike007]

Stay away from all cloves they will take over.

 

[Reefing Madness]

You need to test for
ALK (7-12dKH)
Calcium (380-460)
Magnesium (1250-1350)
Phosphates (.05)
These are crucial elements to your reef tank. Your readings for Amm, Nitrites and Nitrates are ok, but your Nitrates may be a bit low for those corals that your keeping, keeping Nitrates at 20 or under for those is a good number.

 

[dbg]

good to know! thanks.

You need to test for
ALK (7-12dKH)
Calcium (380-460)
Magnesium (1250-1350)
Phosphates (.05)
These are crucial elements to your reef tank. Your readings for Amm, Nitrites and Nitrates are ok, but your Nitrates may be a bit low for those corals that your keeping, keeping Nitrates at 20 or under for those is a good number.

Any test kits you would recommend? And how would you raise nitrates? Thanks!