Stagnation in aquarium growth

[oualid]

Hello!

I've had the aquarium, which holds just over 500 L, for more than ten years. After years of effort, I finally found the right balance, and both my SPS and LPS thrived.

However, over the past 12 months, I've noticed that the corals have stopped growing, and the Acropora colonies are diminishing.

The previously expanding anemones have now drastically reduced to almost unnoticeable levels.

There's something in the water that's not right. I'm feeling a bit lost and would genuinely appreciate your expertise.

Below you'll find some details about the aquarium and its conditions:

- Kh: 8.63
- PO4: 0.28
- NO3: 25
- Salinity: 1.025
- Temperature: 25°C
- PH: around 8.2
- Lighting: Two Orphek Atlantik lights.

Sump 140 L:
- Skimmer: Maxspect Aeraqua Duo AD600.
- Roll filter: ClariSea SK3000.
- Miscellaneous: Contains macroalgae, and for refill, osmotic water is used.

- Supplements: ATI Essential PRO.
- Salt mix: Blue treasure SPS (I have been changing water every other week until I used up 20 kg of salt, but with no visible improvement).
- Food: Ocean Nutrition Formula Two Flakes.
- Number of fish 5: three surgeons, 1 Clown, 1 Emperor.

The latest analyses from Triton-lab ICP-OES are available below.

Hoping for your assistance!

 

[shwareefer]

I'm not usually one to blame lights but are the Orpheks 10 yrs old too?

 

[Subsea]

the second law of thermodynamics says that entropy always increases with time


Entropy is a gradual decline into disorder.

Consider “old tank syndrome” as a problem due to lack of diversity of microbes.

 

[oualid]

I'm not usually one to blame lights but are the Orpheks 10 yrs old too?

They are about three years old.

 

[oualid]

the second law of thermodynamics says that entropy always increases with time


Entropy is a gradual decline into disorder.

Consider “old tank syndrome” as a problem due to lack of diversity of microbes.

I agree regarding the second law of thermodynamics.
What is your suggestion?

 

[Subsea]

Consider adding biodiversity with diver collected live rock.

 

[oualid]

The process of ‘old tank syndrome is similar to a climax forest in nature.

For forest management, we performed prescribed controlled burns to rejuvenate aging forest.

Get some nice uncured diver collected live rock to rejuvenate your system with fresh healthy microbes.


https://gulfliverock.com/premium-deco-live-rock


https://gulfliverock.com/hitchhiker-id

Thanks for the suggestion.