STN on Acro and Milli

[M1keol]

Hello, noticed some STN starting on some of my SPS corals. Tank has been up for about 2 years now I haven’t changed anything in the tank, however I did have a flood in my basement a few weeks ago not sure if anything may have somehow gotten into the ATO.

parameters
Alk - 8.5
Calc - 364
Mag - 1280

I haven’t tested for PO4 or nitrates…

 

[nothing_fancy]

The timeline of your concern with your ATO being compromised and this happening is correlated IMO. If you're concerned something got into your ATO I would definitely test PO4 and heavy metals if you can and do a water change if possible. This is just what I would do but theres a lot of unknowns, hopefully someone can shed some more light on it for you.

 

[M1keol]

The timeline of your concern with your ATO being compromised and this happening is correlated IMO. If you're concerned something got into your ATO I would definitely test PO4 and heavy metals if you can and do a water change if possible. This is just what I would do but theres a lot of unknowns, hopefully someone can shed some more light on it for you.

I emptied the ATO tank and did a large water change. I should order a ICP test before this gets worse.

 

[nothing_fancy]

I emptied the ATO tank and did a large water change. I should order a ICP test before this gets worse.

Definitely a good idea. If you've been running for 2 years without issue keeping sps and something like this crops up it usually takes a couple weeks to have effect. I use a lot of mag racks in my system and am always concerned about metals. I try to send out to ATI quarterly regardless of anything. In the meantime since its STN and not RTN you can grab some salifert tests if you're concerned.

 

[Lavey29]

Hello, noticed some STN starting on some of my SPS corals. Tank has been up for about 2 years now I haven’t changed anything in the tank, however I did have a flood in my basement a few weeks ago not sure if anything may have somehow gotten into the ATO.

parameters
Alk - 8.5
Calc - 364
Mag - 1280

I haven’t tested for PO4 or nitrates…

Calcium is low and magnesium slightly low. Need nitrates and phosphate numbers.

 

[M1keol]

Calcium is low and magnesium slightly low. Need nitrates and phosphate numbers.

Nitrate 0.3 PPM (Hanna marine nitrate HR)
Phosphate 0.22 PPM (Hanna Marine Phosphate ULR

 

[Lavey29]

Nitrate 0.3 PPM (Hanna marine nitrate HR)
Phosphate 0.22 PPM (Hanna Marine Phosphate ULR

Well you probably have identified your issues then. In addition to calcium and magnesium being off your nitrates are bottomed out and your phosphate is elevated.

 

[M1keol]

Well you probably have identified your issues then. In addition to calcium and magnesium being off your nitrates are bottomed out and your phosphate is elevated.

How would you suggest raising nitrates and lowering phosphate? GFO for phosphate?

 

[StatelineReefer]

How would you suggest raising nitrates and lowering phosphate? GFO for phosphate?

Once you are no longer nitrate limited, your phosphates will lower as both are consumed.

 

[M1keol]

Once you are no longer nitrate limited, your phosphates will lower as both are consumed.

Forgot to mention I also have an algae scrubber (have so for about a year now) would shortening the photo period help?

 

[StatelineReefer]

Forgot to mention I also have an algae scrubber (have so for aboht a year now) would shortening the photo period hell?

Absolutely would. Next time you harvest drop to half photoperiod until your nutrients come back into line, extend photoperiod when you're above your target, average 10-15N, 0.08-0.12P is what I suggest, but your mileage will vary depending on your tank. I sit today at 87N, 0.10P

 

[M1keol]

Absolutely would. Next time you harvest drop to half photoperiod until your nutrients come back into line, extend photoperiod when you're above your target, average 10-15N, 0.08-0.12P is what I suggest, but your mileage will vary depending on your tank. I sit today at 87N, 0.10P

I’ll get on that, thanks!

 

[Lavey29]

How would you suggest raising nitrates and lowering phosphate? GFO for phosphate?

Your phosphate is only moderate elevated so bringing up nitrates should lower it or you can use bag of phosguard which lower phosphates slowly. Typically just feeding more frozen food will raise nitrates and as you already mentioned cutting back export a little. I would feed some aminos or coral food once or twice a week until your nitrates come back up but don't use reef roids which raises phosphate a lot.

 

[M1keol]

Your phosphate is only moderate elevated so bringing up nitrates should lower it or you can use bag of phosguard which lower phosphates slowly. Typically just feeding more frozen food will raise nitrates and as you already mentioned cutting back export a little. I would feed some aminos or coral food once or twice a week until your nitrates come back up but don't use reef roids which raises phosphate a lot.

Thank you for your input! I’ve been feeding a lot of just brine shrimp lately. I’ll have to whip out the reef frenzy. I’ll also look into aminos. Everything was going really well. Not sure why suddenly things shifted without me making any changes.

 

[Lavey29]

Thank you for your input! I’ve been feeding a lot of just brine shrimp lately. I’ll have to whip out the reef frenzy. I’ll also look into aminos. Everything was going really well. Not sure why suddenly things shifted without me making any changes.

When things get out of balance like you are experiencing it can take weeks or months before the corals begin to show stress affects. I would still get an ICP test to check everything and make sure no rusty magnets.

 

[M1keol]

When things get out of balance like you are experiencing it can take weeks or months before the corals begin to show stress affects. I would still get an ICP test to check everything and make sure no rusty magnets.

I ordered one tonight, will report back with results as well as how I make out with the STN

 

[M1keol]

@Lavey29 @StatelineReefer

Found the issue blown heater. 120g system. How much water should I change??

 

[M1keol]

 

[Troylee]

Do like 20-30% and run some carbon to help.. wait a few days and do another one.

 

[dwest]

Wow! That was quite the failure. What brand heater?

I would do a few successive large wc and run cuprisorb. Good luck!