Paling SPS

[Fishfinder]

The majority of my SPS have paled out over the last week. Growth has slowed some also. All pieces still have great polyp extension. Just a lack of color. I'm attributing it to the fact that my nutrients got too low. Nothing else in my system has changed. NO3 got to 0.0, PO4 was 4ppb. Does this diagnosis sound correct? Also After nutrients have been corrected, how long until I should see color come back?

 

[TexasTodd]

Correct assumption. You might also dial your lights back a bit 10-20% (not points, percent) for a couple of weeks.

 

[Highgrade]

The majority of my SPS have paled out over the last week. Growth has slowed some also. All pieces still have great polyp extension. Just a lack of color. I'm attributing it to the fact that my nutrients got too low. Nothing else in my system has changed. NO3 got to 0.0, PO4 was 4ppb. Does this diagnosis sound correct? Also After nutrients have been corrected, how long until I should see color come back?

I'm in the same boat as you with one of my SPS tanks. Same exact NO3 0.0 and PO4 4 ppm. I think my NO3 dropped when I performed a large water change and vacuumed the sand bed. I started feeding more and dosing Brighwell NeoNitro. I've seen a big improvement in color in the past week.

 

[Fishfinder]

Thanks for the replies. I'll see how it takes to get good color back. @TexasTodd I cant really turn down lights due to my clams

 

[ctpeasy]

Critical to not spike KH until you get your numbers correct.

 

[Fishfinder]

Don't have any issue there. havent fluctuated .5 since the tank has been running

 

[BoomCorals]

Don't have any issue there. havent fluctuated .5 since the tank has been running

Be prepared for a possible quick reduction in ALK uptake by corals though which could cause an ALK spike.

 

[Fishfinder]

Hey @BoomCorals that red table is so nice. It's all encrusted on the rocks already

 

[Fishfinder]

What's the general consensus until I get good color back?

 

[BoomCorals]

Hey @BoomCorals that red table is so nice. It's all encrusted on the rocks already

Great stuff! As for your tank, the best thing you can do is provide stability. It takes time to get color back. There is no magic fix, just a good stable tank.