Little to no growth and dying corals

[MrGisonni]

Are you only running blues??

 

[MrGisonni]

Your parameters are fine

 

[Reef_puck]

Are you only running blues??

I am running them AB template which is all levels are on to max. Side note I think it’s too blue.

 

[Kodski]

- Lighting - For now since there is no SPS - and the LPS is mid level to bottom of tank - Keep the lights at 89% intensity on the A/B program template? Or try to lower the intensity? Change the template?

I think this is WAY too high intensity for LPS. Depending on mounting height, I bet you're much too high on par. I get renting a par meter is not always the easiest thing to do. Could you do the BRS buy and return which would only end up costing as much as a rental? Otherwise try finding a local reefing club. Typically someone in the club would have a par meter they would lend out.

I tried keeping my hammers and such around 200 par, but they seemed super finicky. Fine one day and not so much the next. They grew, but super slowly. So I visited my LFS and spoke with the owner. This guy isn't just a LFS owner. He's a marine biologist who grew up diving the reefs. Dude knows his stuff. He had a TON of beautiful hammers in his frag tank and they were twice as big each time I stopped in there from the last, which is quite frequently. I asked what par his hammers grew out at, so he got the par meter out and tested it for me to see. Highest part of that frag tank read 80 par. I got a par meter and adjusted my par down to 100ish range as during our discussion we agreed that a 20 par difference really wouldn't make too much of a difference.

Now my hammers are supper puffy and happy. I don't see the day to day differences that I used to. I've see twice as much growth in the time as well.

I'd adjust the lights down considerably. Like max out at 60% if not less. You'll be surprised at how powerful these LED lights are. They are probably the number one reason new hobbyists struggle with corals. Which is exactly why I harp on people to find out their par. Its always been my experience that when I setup my lighting to my eye and then test it with a par meter is typically double what I was aiming for.

 

[Troylee]

I think this is WAY too high intensity for LPS. Depending on mounting height, I bet you're much too high on par. I get renting a par meter is not always the easiest thing to do. Could you do the BRS buy and return which would only end up costing as much as a rental? Otherwise try finding a local reefing club. Typically someone in the club would have a par meter they would lend out.

I tried keeping my hammers and such around 200 par, but they seemed super finicky. Fine one day and not so much the next. They grew, but super slowly. So I visited my LFS and spoke with the owner. This guy isn't just a LFS owner. He's a marine biologist who grew up diving the reefs. Dude knows his stuff. He had a TON of beautiful hammers in his frag tank and they were twice as big each time I stopped in there from the last, which is quite frequently. I asked what par his hammers grew out at, so he got the par meter out and tested it for me to see. Highest part of that frag tank read 80 par. I got a par meter and adjusted my par down to 100ish range as during our discussion we agreed that a 20 par difference really wouldn't make too much of a difference.

Now my hammers are supper puffy and happy. I don't see the day to day differences that I used to. I've see twice as much growth in the time as well.

I'd adjust the lights down considerably. Like max out at 60% if not less. You'll be surprised at how powerful these LED lights are. They are probably the number one reason new hobbyists struggle with corals. Which is exactly why I harp on people to find out their par. Its always been my experience that when I setup my lighting to my eye and then test it with a par meter is typically double what I was aiming for.

Just to play devils advocate my hammers sit in 400 par without problems and grow like weeds lol… I run halides thou.. leds are weird!

 

[Kodski]

Just to play devils advocate my hammers sit in 400 par without problems and grow like weeds lol… I run halides thou.. leds are weird!

Some people sure can have hammers at that level with great results. But the reality is, that isn't natural and can be very difficult for most to achieve. Due to the nature of his problem, I'd say get to a point where you know is a natural par range to eliminate that as an issue. Worry about increasing par once growth and stability happen.

 

[MrGisonni]

I am running them AB template which is all levels are on to max. Side note I think it’s too blue.

Can you show us?

 

[Reef_puck]

Can you show us?

I can tomorrow evening when I get home. Can load the app when not home.

 

[Reef_puck]

Mobius light settings

 

[MrGisonni]

Maybe someone will chime in and take a look. I know white light is all colors combined, but I've never seen an led that didn't have a white channel. And most will agree, the reds and greens don't need to be that high

 

[Reef_puck]

It does have a white setting. Only show so much on the screen without scrolling. Here is a shot from this morning (lights off). But all of the colors are at max when the lights are on.

 

[MrGisonni]

I would look for a different schedule. Reds and greens at max, UV maxed out also, and both white channels maxed out.....I don't know. Every reef is different. What some say is a proven schedule might melt another's reef or cause an algal bloom. Look at some BRS videos. Start a new thread requesting others to chime in with their G5 schedule. Your parameters are in line for success and stable now, I think maybe it's your lighting.

 

[Reef_puck]

Just a note I do have the glass tops on the tank. Not sure if that makes a difference

 

[Reef_puck]

and I have about had it. Lost 2 more hammers and Zoas are shrinking. About one the blasto. I think it’s time to get rid of the tank. I Have a graveyard of coral skeletons.

 

[MrGisonni]

Ok I'm really thinking it's your lighting
BRS recommended spectrum

Spacing

Mounting height 7" recommended could be a little higher for better spread

Intensity for LPS 60%
Increase it a bit due to your glass top.

This is the best lighting advice available

 

[MrGisonni]

 

[Reef_puck]

Well about lose the last torch. I stopped adding anything but mysis for the fish since a week and a 1/2 ago. I lowered the lights to 70%. Have not had time to order a iCP kit.

Most likely Going to look to tear it all down and sell what I can. What a waste of money.

Anyone want a complete setup?

 

[MrGisonni]

Change your light spectrum

 

[Reef_puck]

ICP kit ordered. Waiting onndelivery.

Meanwhile just lost a hammer.