I try, but I just can’t SPS

[bmbpka]

So I’ve tried many times to get into SPS. Plating Monti Caps, die. Encrusting Montipora, die. Heck even birds nest and stylos die.

I’ve had a nice green pocco in my tank for a couple months now, doing well. Now I’m seeing some bright white spots. I have a beautiful BC glow stick ACRO as well and it’s doing okay but the colors fading.

parameters are as followed

Alk- 8.5
Calcium - 400
Mag - 1200 (possible culprit)

phosphate - .03 ppm
Nitrates - 15 (also possible culprit)

Ph - 8.2

nitrite and ammonia are 0.

I’m running a 48” Aquatic Life T5 with 4 Primes at about 8” off the surface. Rented BRS par meter a few weeks ago, when I only had a 24” and 3 primes. I was getting upper 200s into the low 300s in my SPS section. I upgraded to a larger T5 and added a prime. I’d imagine I’m looking at upper 300s to lower 400s now. But plan on checking again soon. Flow is pumping as well.

so what am I doing wrong? Parameters stay constant. I’m guessing that nitrate is the issue? I have a heavily stocked 75 gallon and my skimmer is a bit light. New one will be here in a few weeks.

 

[HOOPDEEZ]

What powerheads are you using? You said the flow was pumping, but how much so?

 

[bmbpka]

I have an Cap 3k gyre at 100%. The SPS are all on the side closest to it as well.

 

[omar jawad]

What’s your photo period?

 

[BiGGiePauls33]

How old is your tank? My no3 is currently 15-20 and po4 is .21 so probably not either of those.

 

[BiGGiePauls33]

Also, is you flow hmering the SPS because they don't like getting blasted directly.

 

[C. Eymann]

I have an Cap 3k gyre at 100%. The SPS are all on the side closest to it as well.

Post a video, too much direct flow?

 

[C. Eymann]

Also, is you flow hmering the SPS because they don't like getting blasted directly.

^^^ this.

Polyps should look like a wheat field on a mildly breezy day, ideally with short periods if almost static in between intermittent gushes of flow.

Not hurricane force type of flow

 

[bmbpka]

How old is your tank? My no3 is currently 15-20 and po4 is .21 so probably not either of those.

2 years- ish

 

[bmbpka]

^^^ this.

Polyps should look like a wheat field on a mildly breezy day, ideally with short periods if almost static in between intermittent gushes of flow.

Not hurricane force type of flow

 

[bmbpka]

 

[Charlie’s Frags]

Alk is too high for 0.03 po4
What are your export methods?

 

[bmbpka]

Alk is too high for 0.03 po4
What are your export methods?

Slowing lowering it. Trying to get down to 7.5ish.

15–20 gallon water change weekly and Skimmer. Skimmer is a bit undersized.

 

[bmbpka]

And apparently posting videos is harder than I thought? Not sure what went wrong?

 

[Topreefer92]

I have your exact setup as far as lights are concerned expect I have 5 primes on the hybrid fixture and mine is 24inches. I think your parameters look good. Only thing I can think of is consistency, have those levels been consistent? I know that when I had lower flow u had some issue but overall your lights are perfect. Happy someone else has the same setup i do

 

[bmbpka]

I have your exact setup as far as lights are concerned expect I have 5 primes on the hybrid fixture and mine is 24inches. I think your parameters look good. Only thing I can think of is consistency, have those levels been consistent? I know that when I had lower flow u had some issue but overall your lights are perfect. Happy someone else has the same setup i do

Parameters have stayed consistent. I’m slowing lowering the alk, but have been over the last 1.5 month.

 

[bmbpka]

I have your exact setup as far as lights are concerned expect I have 5 primes on the hybrid fixture and mine is 24inches. I think your parameters look good. Only thing I can think of is consistency, have those levels been consistent? I know that when I had lower flow u had some issue but overall your lights are perfect. Happy someone else has the same setup i do

i love the lights!

 

[KrisReef]

ICP test to rule out chemistry problems?

 

[bmbpka]

ICP test to rule out chemistry problems?

thought about it, but my LPS thrive. I may still, just so I know.

 

[C. Eymann]

Looks like you maybe giving these SPS too much direct flow from what I can see in the video.