Montipora Help

[Levib.Lenhart]

Hello hello..
I've decided to take a stab at some montis recently, but im having some trouble. I added these two frags on Dec. 30th and they looked great. Now, the flesh is lightening up quite a bit, but the polyps are still extending nicely but the color is dull. Any help/tips would be greatly appreciated.
Tank Info:
55g DT w/ 20g sump & fuge
Ca: 470
Mg: 1080
Alk: 10 dKh
Nitates: 40+ (They have consistently this high for months. Ive done many many water changes, NoPox, vodka..nothing lowers them)
SG: 1.026
When I got them:

Now

 

[Ravsta]

Hi mate

Your nitrates seem quite high which means your phosphates are likely to be high in a similar ratio? Your magnesium also seems to be a little on the low side. How much do you feed and what’s your livestock level?
Any number of things could be causing the issue as it’s clear that one is bleaching and the other isn’t happy.

Check Phosphates
Lower your nitrates
Increase your magnesium
Temperature swings

I’m sure other more experienced reefers will chime in and offer advice too.
Good luck!

 

[Backreefing]

When correcting multiple water parameters. A water change is a great way of correcting mag, nitrates, phosphate and alkalinity. Plus be certain your salt mix mixes to the parameters that you want.