Zoa is struggling

[oconn21]

I’ve got zoas that we’re doing great for first 5 days in tank. No look like receding. All parameters are normal except salt is a little low 1.018. I have an emerald crab in there and have seen him close to it not sure if the crab is doing it or if actually a problem other coral doing well

 

[mdb_talon]

I would say 1.018 is not a little low for a reef tank. Thats on low end for fish only. For reef tank should really be 1.023 to be at low side.

 

[Gernader]

The salinity is really low. You need to bring it up slowly to 1.025-1.026. Also, do you know how much par the zoas are getting?

 

[PBnJOnWheat]

+1 for salinity, I would definitely be careful with the lighting. Too much or too little will cause them to be unhappy also

 

[vetteguy53081]

Moderate light and water flow and stay near the following readings:

Temp 77-79
ph 8.1-8.3
salinity 1.024-1.025
nitrate .05
Phos < .05
Ammonia < .03

 

[oconn21]

What’s the best option for bring it up slowly? I use pre mixed nutra ocean

 

[sp1187]

What’s the best option for bring it up slowly? I use pre mixed nutra ocean

is this all you've ever used?
and what are you using to test your salinity?

 

[oconn21]

is this all you've ever used?

Yes, should I add a salt mix to it. If so which one do you guys like

 

[PBnJOnWheat]

Yes, should I add a salt mix to it. If so which one do you guys like

RedSea coral pro salt

 

[sp1187]

Yes, should I add a salt mix to it. If so which one do you guys like

I'm trying to figure out how, if this is what you've used from day 1 in this tank, how your salinity is so low.
they claim the SG is 1.027.

so unless you have an ATO that dumped a lot of fresh water I'd be be questioning what ever it is your using to measure the SG.

 

[oconn21]

I'm trying to figure out how, if this is what you've used from day 1 in this tank, how your salinity is so low.
they claim the SG is 1.027.

so unless you have an ATO that dumped a lot of fresh water I'd be be questioning what ever it is your using to measure the SG.

I do have an ATO with just distilled water in it and maybe it ran more at one point. I put a gallon in it every 2 weeks. I measure with a refractometer. I’m a veterinarian so have one right at the office where the tank is.

 

[sp1187]

I took a sample in to my lfs for some comparison water tests.
they had my salinity, with a refractometer at 1.029. I doubted it.
a week later I'm back at the lfs and I over hear them talking about
their pair of refractometers, one reading a lot higher than the other.
I'd get someone else to run a SG test to see if yours is calibrated correctly.
and also, crabs can agitate them by either picking off the algae on them or
picking at the zoa. any time I put a new frag in it the CUC hit them cleaning
them up.

 

[ReeferBean]

Just top it off with saltwater instead of fresh for a few days.

Are you using a refractometer? If not, get one and also purchase some calibration solution.

 

[zoaprince]

Moderate light and water flow and stay near the following readings:

Temp 77-79
ph 8.1-8.3
salinity 1.024-1.025
nitrate .05
Phos < .05
Ammonia < .03

that's pretty low nitrate. Did you mean 5?

 

[vetteguy53081]

that's pretty low nitrate. Did you mean 5?

Oops - yes