Important Elements for LPS/ Goni’s

[steve 1965]

Hi I wanted to get your opinion on what the most important Elements would be for LPS such as Torch corals and Goniopora. I add Manganese,Iron,Fluoride. But am hearing I should be adding Vanadium. My Triton ICP test came back with Manganese as zero even while dosing. Also low on Fluoride and Vanadium. My torches look pretty good but my Goni’s look good for a certain amount of time but then start to recede back. So wanted your advice thanks.

 

[robanister]

This may help https://www.mantasystems.net/a/blog/post/goniopora

 

[steve 1965]

Hi I read that

This may help https://www.mantasystems.net/a/blog/post/goniopora

article and it’s very good. But it does not really get into what trace elements these corals thrive off of. I did read that they like to be fed more than what I’m feeding. But I am using Benepets coral food along with Red Sea Energy plus. But with the exception of broadcast feeding I only direct feed once a week.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Manganese is rapidly depleted in all tanks, as is iron.

I’m unconvinced on the utility of fluoride.

That said, all photosynthetic calcifying corals will use the same basic set of elements, but it is certainly true that some corals may need higher levels in the water of some elements than do other corals, in order to get what they need.

 

[steve 1965]

Manganese is rapidly depleted in all tanks, as is iron.

I’m unconvinced on the utility of fluoride.

That said, all photosynthetic calcifying corals will use the same basic set of elements, but it is certainly true that some corals may need higher levels in the water of some elements than do other corals, in order to get what they need.

Yes I’ve watched some YouTube videos with Reef Bum and he had a couple guest from Captiv8 and they talked about beside Manganese and Iron they added Vanadium. This is an element I really know nothing about. ICP does show this as being low but was hoping I could get more info before I start dosing this.

 

[robanister]

Also every tank is a little different. Gotta find your way. For example my acros seam happier at 7.4 dkh vs 8.1 for some reason. I know others that keep dkh very high! I'm not sure I believe the hype but some say that red sea ab+ was the key! Direct feeding I believe!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Yes I’ve watched some YouTube videos with Reef Bum and he had a couple guest from Captiv8 and they talked about beside Manganese and Iron they added Vanadium. This is an element I really know nothing about. ICP does show this as being low but was hoping I could get more info before I start dosing this.

Vanadium is certainly a vital trace element for all organisms. :)

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I have some articles on trace elements here:

https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/randys-elements-to-dose.952/
https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/randys-thoughts-on-trace-elements.951/

 

[steve 1965]

Also every tank is a little different. Gotta find your way. For example my acros seam happier at 7.4 dkh vs 8.1 for some reason. I know others that keep dkh very high! I'm not sure I believe the hype but some say that red sea ab+ was the key! Direct feeding I believe!

So it’s funny you say that. But I am also finding out that not just my SPS but LPS seem to be happier when my DKH is between 7.6 and 8.0. When I let it go higher it seems like my LPS kind of close up and don’t have polyp extension.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

So it’s funny you say that. But I am also finding out that not just my SPS but LPS seem to be happier when my DKH is between 7.6 and 8.0. When I let it go higher it seems like my LPS kind of close up and don’t have polyp extension.

I’m not at all saying it’s not an accurate observation, but the relationship between alkalinity and polyp extension is extremely complex to be certain of the cause and effect or transferability to other tanks. Just looking at the current thread optimal alk reinforces this issue and how it varies a lot in reefer eyes.

Complexities are how alk and pH together determine the availability of bicarbonate and carbonate, how these together impact calcification rates and hence the availability of many trace elements that get consumed by calcification, and how a host of other factors impacted by alk may themselves be the thing impacting observable such as polyp extension.

 

[steve 1965]

I’m not at all saying it’s not an accurate observation, but the relationship between alkalinity and polyp extension is extremely complex to be certain of the cause and effect or transferability to other tanks. Just looking at the current thread optimal alk reinforces this issue and how it varies a lot in reefer eyes.

Complexities are how alk and pH together determine the availability of bicarbonate and carbonate, how these together impact calcification rates and hence the availability of many trace elements that get consumed by calcification, and how a host of other factors impacted by alk may themselves be the thing impacting observable such as polyp extension.

Thanks Randy
There are a lot of variables that go into the general health of our corals and each tank and environment is different for sure. I also think this time of year here in Maryland is perfect for having our windows open and the ph of my tanks have also been higher then they would be in the summer and winter. Seems like this time of yr along with the fall my tanks just seem to look there best. Everything right now just looks very happy. So it may not really be the DKH running lower but the combination of PH and DKH together maybe. Also may be the the chances I made in trace elements from my last ICP test. What ever it is it’s working. Now it’s just a matter of maintaining these optimal conditions long term. Even in the middle of the summer months when the house is closed up and the struggle with ph begins again.