Bailout?

[KSUChemist]

Parameters are stable. Got this guy on Black Friday. This particular head was being hit by a lot of flow so I moved the whole colony yesterday to get it out of the higher flow (didn't realize at the time it was high flow area). The other heads are extending more than they were in this new spot.
pH 8.2
SG 1.024-1.025 (usually in the middle)
Calc 500ppm
Mg (no kit yet)
Phos (no kit yet)
Nitrate steady 5-10ppm
Alk 8.9-9.2

 

[vetteguy53081]

raise salinity to 1.025 and temp at 78-79 degrees. Having no test kits as noted. I highly suggest a water sample to a trusted LFS and have them test for you and obtain readings.
There were many Black Friday specials and test kits which are essential especially the first 6 months of tank running.

 

[KSUChemist]

This is an old tank. My Dad had it for ~3 years before I got it. He never added anything other than soft corals, so he never monitored a lot of parameters and he kept SG low. Temp typically runs 76-77, but I bought an adjustable heater on BF that I just hadn't installed yet. My LFS doesn't do extensive testing on parameters. I asked for the remaining kits I'm missing for Christmas.

 

[Dom]

Please provide a whole tank picture. What kind of lighting are you using? When you took the tank over from your Dad, did you relocate it or did you take over the duties where it was?

It looks like a Hammer... is that correct?

 

[KSUChemist]

Relocated the tank at the end of June. Lighting isn't good (aqueon LED bar 24" 2x daylight 1x actinic). Tank is a 45g cube. The lights will be upgraded either by the end of this week or beginning of next. Placed an order for an AI Hydra 32HD from LFS. Yes, it is a green/purple hammer. I have another hammer near it (Brown/green) that's been in the tank a month and a half or so that's doing very well. I attached the most recent full tank picture I have (just before I added the new hammer). The new hammer is now down in front of where the torch was (torch hasn't been bleached since before I got it, trying some different things to try and bring it back. Wanted a challenge I guess)

One other note - I have a TON of jewel anemones. I'm trying to prune back the ones that I think are in position to have a turf war with my corals, but I can't always get to them or see them. It's entirely possible that they're causing issues as well. I used to only seem them in the caverns and shaded areas, but they're poking out in the light more and more.

 

[DSC reef]

The colony in the first pic doesn't look bad. Salinity is fine and won't cause your issue. I would get a magnesium test kit, alkalinity and phosphate. Calcium is a bit high and alkalinity could be an issue.It looks to me that something bothered that individual head like a sting or nipping. Keep an eye out for brown jelly/infection as that head can be removed if necessary. Make sure that powerhead isn't blasting the coral. The lighting won't be sufficient for coral long term so it's good your upgrading.

 

[KSUChemist]

The colony in the first pic doesn't look bad. Salinity is fine and won't cause your issue. I would get a magnesium test kit, alkalinity and phosphate. Calcium is a bit high and alkalinity could be an issue.It looks to me that something bothered that individual head like a sting or nipping. Keep an eye out for brown jelly/infection as that head can be removed if necessary. Make sure that powerhead isn't blasting the coral. The lighting won't be sufficient for coral long term so it's good your upgrading.

I have an alk kit and it's stable around 9 without dosing. The salt I use mixes at 500+ ppm calc at 1.024 SG, so I don't know how to keep that down.

 

[DSC reef]

I have an alk kit and it's stable around 9 without dosing. The salt I use mixes at 500+ ppm calc at 1.024 SG, so I don't know how to keep that down.

What salt are you using?

 

[KSUChemist]

What salt are you using?

Kent

 

[DSC reef]

I've never used that salt, 500 seems high for only 1.024 SG. Maybe have your water tested by another source to confirm.

 

[KSUChemist]

I've never used that salt, 500 seems high for only 1.024 SG. Maybe have your water tested by another source to confirm.

I plan on having ICP done once I get a little extra cash on both tank and ro source. I don't have di, and I think the iron might be a bit high as my rocks are starting to Orange out

 

[DSC reef]

Rodi is definitely a good to have, an icp is a good idea.

 

[KSUChemist]

Thought I'd update. A week after the move much better polyp extension. The stressed head looks like it will be able to recover as well!

 

[DSC reef]

It's looking much better