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- Jul 9, 2018
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I have a 20 gallon mixed reef 10 months old. Over the last 6 months I have lost some SPS, mostly new additions, it seems if they survive the first couple of weeks they survive long term but they don't grow very quickly. Currently I have Anacropora, stylophora, pocillopora, birdsnest, and two Acropora. Most of the additions that died were Montipora or Acropora.
I realized I wasn't testing like I should and bought some tests. Found my nitrate and phosphate were both elevated. Started more water changes, GFO, and carbon dosing.
Current parameters:
Alk: 8.3
Phosphate 0.98
Nitrate: ~20
Calcium 425
Temp 79F
Salinity: 1.026
I have a skimmer, good flow (MP40 + return pump), an AI Prime and Kessil A80.
Coral colors are good, but polyp extension always disappears compared to the frags when I get them. The main issue is slow growth, I have heard high phosphates inhibit growth. Does it seem likely that high phosphates are the main reason for slow growth or something else?
Happy Zoas
This Slimeball has been very hardy and has grown noticeably but still quite slow, the hammer is happy, the monti has encrusted a bit but that's it in a couple months
The stylo is one of the oldest corals in the tank and has grown a bit, but the stylo and acro both had much more polyp extension when I got them.
I realized I wasn't testing like I should and bought some tests. Found my nitrate and phosphate were both elevated. Started more water changes, GFO, and carbon dosing.
Current parameters:
Alk: 8.3
Phosphate 0.98
Nitrate: ~20
Calcium 425
Temp 79F
Salinity: 1.026
I have a skimmer, good flow (MP40 + return pump), an AI Prime and Kessil A80.
Coral colors are good, but polyp extension always disappears compared to the frags when I get them. The main issue is slow growth, I have heard high phosphates inhibit growth. Does it seem likely that high phosphates are the main reason for slow growth or something else?
Happy Zoas
This Slimeball has been very hardy and has grown noticeably but still quite slow, the hammer is happy, the monti has encrusted a bit but that's it in a couple months
The stylo is one of the oldest corals in the tank and has grown a bit, but the stylo and acro both had much more polyp extension when I got them.