Any ideas about this strange growth pattern?

[carri10]

Hi
I have a cyphastria that grows well, but the old growth dies off.
This means I have a band of healthy coral that’s continually moving forwards, but it leaves behind all the growth that dies off.
It can’t be light or flow, as these are very similar to where the old growth and new growth is.
NO3 2ppm
PO4 0.01ppm
dKH 9
pH 8-8.3
Ca 425ppm
Salinity 35ppt

 

[Shirak]

lack of nutrients

Test kits can't measure .01 PO4 accurately so that is essentially 0 Nitrates same thing..

 

[Shirak]

Looks like a lot of algae growth on the rock. Probably sucking up the nutrients and out competing the corals. More CUC. Some closer shots may be in order to ID. Can also try a fluconazole treatment. It's very effective for clearing algae and never had a problem with other tank inhabitants in my experience.

 

[Shirak]

hmm Tried to expand the picture. Doesn't look like typical hair algae. I think I would lean towards the fluconazole.

 

[carri10]

Thanks, I had thought of low nutrients, but I don’t understand how I can continue to have new growth but the old growth dies off.
If there’s enough nutrients to support the new growth, why is the old growth dying?

Generally, I fully agree with you that the tank needs less algae and higher nutrients, I’ve increased feeds to 3 times a day and bumped up the Cleanup crew significantly. Hopefully that will gradually bring the tank to the right place.

 

[carri10]

hmm Tried to expand the picture. Doesn't look like typical hair algae. I think I would lean towards the fluconazole.

I think it’s turf.

 

[Shirak]

Thanks, I had thought of low nutrients, but I don’t understand how I can continue to have new growth but the old growth dies off.
If there’s enough nutrients to support the new growth, why is the old growth dying?

Generally, I fully agree with you that the tank needs less algae and higher nutrients, I’ve increased feeds to 3 times a day and bumped up the Cleanup crew significantly. Hopefully that will gradually bring the tank to the right place.

Probably using nutrients from old tissue to grow new tissue. What are you feeding?

Might be worth looking into some phosphate and nitrate dosing in the short run. Can also post in the algae id forum. Maybe they will have some ideas on controlling it if the CUC isn't able.

 

[Koty]

Your phosphate is too low making cyano happy and corals unhappy.

 

[carri10]

NO3 back up to 10ppm, PO4 to 0.05ppm (dosing, extra feeding, and reduction of all filtration). Will monitor every other day and maintain levels for a while - see what happens.

 

[thamnasteroid]

I would guess the algae is competing with the coral and winning.