What is the problem?

[reefpeeper]

Hey guys. I have a dilemma about my 120g sps tank. Tank has been setup for 2+ years. I have had some up and downs during this time, but has been pretty stable for quite some time now. The dilemma i have is that the sps does not seem to grow much and i feel like though the colors are mostly there it can be better. They seem to be a little drab. Not as vibrant as they could be. Can it be too much light? Right now i have a hood over tank with 3 hydra 32 and 4 bulb t5 fixture. Lights are mounted 8-9 inches over the tank. I run pretty much ab+ light schedule. I believe the blues intensity is like 130 -140%. Last icp was nearly perfect. My parameters are:
CAL 410
ALK 8
MAG 1350
PHOS .05
NITRATE 15
PH Ranges 8.2day 7.9night
Most sps at top 3rd of tank. When i have measured par it is about 500 where topmost frags are. Flow is good using two gyre type jebaos. What are your thoughts that can be my problem?
I have had sps tank in past and never had this type of problem. Especially the growth rate.

 

[tbrown]

@Fish Styx @billyocean

Honestly I'm wondering if it's the 0.05 phosphates but it could be certain trace elements are missing. Reef Builders did an article on bringing out colors in your Acros through different trace elements and if they're missing the colors will be lacking and potentially drab. I'll see if I can find that one.

 

[tbrown]

Well that didn't take long...

Guide of SPS coral coloration (make them more vivid, bright) | Reef Builders | The Reef and Saltwater Aquarium Blog

This guide endeavors to assist you with the ever popular SPS coral. This was written by member Shadowramy and it explains specific ideas and strategies in which you can do to affect the color of your…

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