POORLY CLOSED BRAIN CORAL

[Djwhitterz]

Hi,
Over the last few weeks my closed brain coral has slowly started turning brown.
I've checked all my parameters and I haven't changed the lights at all yet still can't seem to work it out. Any advice would be appreciated!

 

[725196]

Can you list what the parameters are please? That would help others help you.

 

[Djwhitterz]

Sure parameters as of this morning are:
1.024 sg
Ph 8.2
Kh 9
Calcium 450
Nitrate 0
Phosphate 0
Mag 1320

There is a small amount of hair algae present but it is under control and all my other corals/nems seen happy healthy.
I'm using redsea led50 at 60% Blue 40% white on for a total of 9 hours a day with 3 hours on full intensity and 1 hour of moonlight which has been neat enough the same throughout the tanks life.

 

[MERKEY]

Phos and nitrate at 0 is a bad thing for corals.

Try increasing those a bit to where they are detectable.

Adding fish or feeding more can increase those.

There are also bottle versions you can add.

 

[Djwhitterz]

Okay fair enough I'm using a mixture of red sea test kits and salifert. I'm not 100% on their accuracy but they seem to be within the same ranges when using two test kits to test one parameter. Would the lack of phos/nitrate be the cause to the browning?

 

[725196]

Phos and nitrate at 0 is a bad thing for corals.

Try increasing those a bit to where they are detectable.

Adding fish or feeding more can increase those.

There are also bottle versions you can add.

I agree completely. The old school of thought was “0” but we have learned (I am a passenger not a driver in this learning process) that you need some phosphates and nitrates. The exact amounts are not yet fully determined or understood. A good rule of thumb is 5-10 on nitrate and .03-.08 on phosphates

 

[Djwhitterz]

I'm going to give seachems flourish a go in small doses and up the quantity of mysis at feeding etc