water quality/nutrient issues

[suckadamyfoo]

My coral isn't doing that well, and water quality is the culprit. Problem: my leather coral is barely hanging on to life. Still quite limp and hanging over. (Last post about leather coral).
Ammonia is normal
Nitrites are normal
Nitrates = 10
Phosphates = .2
Calcium = 360
pH = 8.8

My water is a bit green, and getting small amounts of hair algae growing on my live rock. I've been adding in Calcium balance blocks as per the instructions on the package. I'm running 2 10K metal halide lights for 9 hours. I'm not sure on the watts at the moment. Want to say 250W. The temp. is ranging from 76 degrees in the morning to 78 by the end of the day with the halides on. My 2 heaters are having a hard time keeping the water at 78.

Fish = 2 yellow tail damsels, 2 bar gobies, and a yellow wrasse. All fish are in good shape and quite active during the lighting period.

Anyone have any ideas/suggestions? What other information is needed about the tank to help with the suggestions?

 

[ChrisRD]

The only parameter you've listed that would have me very concerned in regard to problems with your leather is the pH. IME soft corals can show a negative reaction to overly high pH levels. Ideally, your pH should be running in the 8.0 to 8.4 range.

Something is causing your pH to run excessively high. Perhaps poor gas exchange. Make sure you have plenty of circulation and good surface aggitation (a protein skimmer really helps in this regard too). If you're dosing anything that raises pH, stop using it for now or at least lessen the dose.

My guess is that once you get your pH down where it should be your leather will perk-up...

 

[suckadamyfoo]

Do you think that increased algae growth might be the factor? Was doing some research on the pH problem, if I have increased algae growth that would decrease my CO2 content in my water that would also decrease my carbonic acid in my water. The end result being a rise in pH. Is this logic ok or too simplistic? If it is ok, would a tang or blennie help the problem? Should I pull out all of my rock and scrub it?

 

[Anonymous]

>..I've been adding in Calcium balance blocks as per the instructions on the package....

Block? The one with a number casted on it? Save you money, and don't use it.

>...if I have increased algae growth that would decrease my CO2 content in my water that would also decrease my carbonic acid in my water. The end result being a rise in pH.

No, there is a bad link in your logic there. Besides the pH issue, I don't think the leather like the 10ppm nitrate too much.

>..Should I pull out all of my rock and scrub it? ...
That should help with the net nutrient in your tank. Just pull out the algae directly. As long as you can keep up with the growth, you are winning the battle.

 

[hillbilly]

Your ph is high,and tank has too many nutrients, IMO. (Note algae bloom) Start doing some water changes and get those parameters in line before it's too late! Increased cirulation will help more than you would think, and get a high quality skimmer and skim the heck out of it. Get one 2 or 3 times bigger than rated for your tank. If all else fails, run a small amount of phosphate remover and take it out once the problem no longer exists. Don't add anymore livestock. You need to fix this problem, not add more bio-load. It might help also to run some carbon for awhile also. Like Chris said, stop dosing anything that might raise your ph. Good luck!