What Should I Change or Improve?

Ryde · Dec 4, 2021

Basically, I miss the 6in+ polyp extension on the torch corals I have. Nothing is dying, (other than a single torch I lost.) But not extending out as much or grow as quickly as it should. My tank is a 32g and mostly consists of LPS with one paly/zoa and a montipora. So, I just want advice on how to achieve more polyp extension and growth, while keeping my corals heathy. Below are my parameters as of today, December 3rd, 2021.

(API)
-Ammonia: undetectable
-Nitrite: 0.00ppm
-Nitrate: 10ppm
-Calcium: 520ppm (little high?)
(Hanna Checkers)
-Alkalinity: 11.2 dkh
-Phosphate: 0.09ppm
-Salinity: 1.025sg
-Temperature: 78.5F
(Nyos)
-magnesium:1350ppm
(Pancellent) (I don't know much about it)
-ph: 7.94

Thanks!

PeterC99 · Dec 4, 2021

Add a CO2 Scrubber to get your pH up to 8.3.

Ryde · Dec 5, 2021

Anyone else?

dferrant · Dec 5, 2021

Can also try top of with Kalk to get pH up.
I have seen this result in increased growth, even compared to other methods increasing pH.

Logical_Plan · Dec 5, 2021

Since all chemistry looks spot on other than pH, these variables come to mind.

PH - CO2 scrubber on skimmer
PAR - Is it high enough, need to measure at coral locations, also check water for yellowing pigment in a white bucket. Yellowish water will rib you of par. You can run activated carbon to clear up water color.
Flow - Use an airline pointed at power head and blow bubbles in one end to see pattern.
Trace elements - Get an ICP test and balance to consumption.

Good luck

Ryde · Dec 5, 2021

Logical_Plan said:
Since all chemistry looks spot on other than pH, these variables come to mind.

PH - CO2 scrubber on skimmer
PAR - Is it high enough, need to measure at coral locations, also check water for yellowing pigment in a white bucket. Yellowish water will rib you of par. You can run activated carbon to clear up water color.
Flow - Use an airline pointed at power head and blow bubbles in one end to see pattern.
Trace elements - Get an ICP test and balance to consumption.

Good luck

Thanks,
My tank is all in one, so I can't fit a nice skimmer nor a CO2 scrubber. I use Radions xr15 g5, I have never had a par meter to see my readings. Flow, I have played with somewhat because I thought they may have been the problem.