Frags are slowly dying

[mfs1855]

I bought the tank from someone who probably had it up for 2 years. About 4 months ago I moved it (water and all) to a new location). It went through a small cycle at that point and I've had 0 nitrates and nitrites on the API test kit since the cycle ended.

 

[Chefjpaul]

Have to tried to stabilize the elements with water changes?
A couple within a week maybe all you need. - depending on the salt used.

I would go easy with the two part right now, your demand maybe isn't there.

If you do need to bring one or the other up, then do it slowly.

Defiantly look into new testing kits.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php#5

 

[lyn.battles]

Sounds like way too much light I am running 100 on blues and 45 on white I have melted several corals till I figured out the light was way too much

 

[mfs1855]

I usually do a 10 % water change each week but I'll try to get several in over the holidays.

If I turn the lights down too much will that also kill the corals?

 

[Loose tenticle]

im no expert but 6 inches below the light for a zoa is too close, and as far as ph being 8.4 or higher is not good either.

 

[mfs1855]

Just to clarify, the light is 13 inches above the water line and 17 inches above the frag rack. However, from the advice I've gotten here, I've moved the rack way down in the tank.

Thanks,

 

[reefpeeper1]

Alk swing?

 

[mfs1855]

Alk swing?

We'll, I've been raising the alk over the past 2 weeks to try and get it to the right place to start kalkwasser. So I think in combination with the intense light the alk swing was just too much. I also just tested the magnesium and it's at 850. Do you think that is causing an issue, and would raising it help at this point?

 

[Nandez13]

yes, the low magnesium level may be contributing to the problem. Elevated levels of Mg are needed so that you can maintain the required levels of CA and Alk stabalized. You should raise your Mag to around 1200-1400 range. I wouldn't raise it more than 100 ppm per day. Once your Mag is where it's supposed to be then I would continue trying to adjust your Alk

 

[mfs1855]

So I should stop adding calcium and alkalinity completely until the magnesium is up? Would this cause the alk and calcium to drop again and thus cause more damage?

Btw, I do a 10% water change each week with Red Sea pro and 0 TDS RO/DI and just did a 20% percent. I would have assumed that this particular salt would keep the magnesium up but apparently not.

Thanks for the great advice!

 

[Chefjpaul]

I'd get a second opinion on those tests.
I use RSCP & All the perimeters are on spot except KH is a little low, just for me though.