I am running an Eshopps 9.5 gal. bi-level nano tank. This is my first saltwater aquarium and have had running for about 1 year. I started with live rock and live sand with two clown fish. All of the corals I have glued on the top tier have died. Usually within a month or two. In the beginning I thought the corals were eating leftover fish pellet and other marine bio. I started adding “Marine Snow” 2 times per week about 3 months ago, and have replaced that with “Reef Chili” about 1 month ago. I have also addressed what appears to be hair algae twice in the last 3 months. I also lost a star fish and an anemone.
I do water changes weekly and sock filter changed 2x per week. I vacuum the sand, though this tends to cause the corals to close up for a day or two. My lights are programmable (in picture) and I monitor my water chemistry. You’ll see the former “stumps” of dead torches, especially on the upper tier. The two healthy ones pictured, are new additions and are only positioned unaffixed until I can see how they like the space.
I am looking for advice/instructions/opinions of why this algae continues to build and I continue losing corals. Ultimately, I would love to build out this reef tank with vibrant colored corals. I am pretty color blind, but have always been able to see the colors of saltwater fish and bright colored corals.
Thank you all in advance!
I do water changes weekly and sock filter changed 2x per week. I vacuum the sand, though this tends to cause the corals to close up for a day or two. My lights are programmable (in picture) and I monitor my water chemistry. You’ll see the former “stumps” of dead torches, especially on the upper tier. The two healthy ones pictured, are new additions and are only positioned unaffixed until I can see how they like the space.
I am looking for advice/instructions/opinions of why this algae continues to build and I continue losing corals. Ultimately, I would love to build out this reef tank with vibrant colored corals. I am pretty color blind, but have always been able to see the colors of saltwater fish and bright colored corals.
Thank you all in advance!