Why can't I keep SPS alive?

[CKI]

I have tried birdsnest, stylophora, stags etc. Heck I cant even as much as keep a chalice alive! All my SPS seem to bleach out! I know it is not due to my LED lighting because i have my units only set at 30% and i start them down at the sand... I am at a total loss...please help :frusty: I'll be honest, this almost makes me want to give up all together. If anyone has any thoughts of what it might be or any suggestions...let me know

Equipment:
75 Gallon tank with 30 Gallon Sump
Reef Radiance LEDs (total of 88x3watt bulbs)
2 Phosban Reactors running Biobellets and Rowa Phos
Eshopps PSK-150 Skimmer
2 MJ-1200's (1300GPH each)

Parameters:
pH - 8.1
Nitrates - 0
Nitrites - 0
Ammonia - 0
Calc - 500
Phos - 0
Alk - 8.6

 

[reefpeeper]

Water may be too clean. Maybe some nutriants are needed

 

[Dashiki]

Tank size?

 

[Dashiki]

I agree take the bio pellets offline.

 

[CKI]

Tank size?

sorry tank is a 75 gal

 

[Kimberlee]

30% seems kind of low, are you sure you have the lighting high enough. I know depending on color BN needs a lot of light. I run mu units at 85% blues and 75% whites, and am having great extension and color.

 

[Dashiki]

Give your self a measurable amount of phos like .04. And get nitrates up to 5-10ppm and then try again. Chalice and other lps don't like sterile water so they wouldn't be happy either.

 

[CKI]

30% seems kind of low, are you sure you have the lighting high enough. I know depending on color BN needs a lot of light. I run mu units at 85% blues and 75% whites, and am having great extension and color.

I had them running at 80-blue and 60 white and they were bleached in a matter of a few days. That is why i backed them down. I am at a total loss.. talk about frustrating. On a brighter note, ive only lost about $400 in SPS frags from trying it out ... anyone is welcome to hit me in the hammer at any time, im sure it would be less painful lol

 

[CKI]

Give your self a measurable amount of phos like .04. And get nitrates up to 5-10ppm and then try again. Chalice and other lps don't like sterile water so they wouldn't be happy either.

So should i discontinue the use of the NPX Biolpellets and just run my Rowaphos? ....perhaps feed a bit heavier?

 

[Dashiki]

If lighting is a concern then get two frags of the same coral put one on the sand and the other halfway up.

Other thoughts on lighting is to find someone with the same lights that has done a par chart and set it up so you have 150-200 par on the sand. The n try the corals.

 

[Dashiki]

So should i discontinue the use of the NPX Biolpellets and just run my Rowaphos? ....perhaps feed a bit heavier?

Yes I'd remove the bio pellets and use a smaller amount of rowaphos. The corals do need some nutrients and it didn't sound like you have any.

What is your bioload?

 

[CKI]

Yes I'd remove the bio pellets and use a smaller amount of rowaphos. The corals do need some nutrients and it didn't sound like you have any.

What is your bioload?

Well i just lost my 7" Foxface due to unknown causes (lost 4 fish from the sale LFS, let my PETCO, yes i said petco fish are still alive and doing well)

2 clarkii clowns
Carpet Anemone
4 Chromis
2 YT Damsels
(foxface died last week)

 

[Dashiki]

I'm sure most of us were all in that same boat dropping hundreds and having them all die from one mistake or another. The trick is to not make the same one twice.

 

[CKI]

I'm sure most of us were all in that same boat dropping hundreds and having them all die from one mistake or another. The trick is to not make the same one twice.

I tried first with my quad t5 lighting and no reactors ... I know...not enough light... but worth a try...so after they die, i order my lights and reactors all in the same day...try the upgraded stuff...and die....If it wasnt for this forum i would be at a complete loss i tell ya

 

[jedimasterben]

I would leave your filtration in place, but double or triple your feeding and give it another shot.

 

[CKI]

I would leave your filtration in place, but double or triple your feeding and give it another shot.

I am feeding a cube of frozen food a day to them... i thought i was already nearly over feeding?

 

[CKI]

Just took the biopellets offline ... should i increase my feeding or leave it alone?

 

[EW_Fish]

How long has your tank been running? Have you added or taken anything out recently?

I would recommend getting an acro to start off with or even red cap frag. I would run the bio pellets and feed heavy. 30% is a little low for a 75 i'm guessing its a standard. I'm running my 120w led fixture over my 14" high tank around 50% white 60% blue. Some LFS have par meters you can rent or borrow just have to ask. I have a 36g tank with a 20 gallon sump and do weekly water changes and not running anything but a skimmer and have a really clean tank. I hope something helps and good luck.

 

[Peterock]

What kind of salt are you using? I have a 75 and have been lucky with SPS using Kent reef salt and thats it. LEDs and 15% monthly water changes. (Same skimmer, but it rarely works becuase of my water level in sump.) One cube of frozen a day is way too much IMO.
I
basically have the same equiment list as you except the reactors. (My po4 is at 0.12)

 

[CKI]

What kind of salt are you using? I have a 75 and have been lucky with SPS using Kent reef salt and thats it. LEDs and 15% monthly water changes. (Same skimmer, but it rarely works becuase of my water level in sump.) One cube of frozen a day is way too much IMO.
I
basically have the same equiment list as you except the reactors. (My po4 is at 0.12)

I was feeding 1/2 cube every other day for a month.