Actually corals do need a certain amount of nitrates for their growth and they will even use some phosphates but fish poo isn't just nitrates it is a food source for many organisms in your tank


My calcium is chronically low, around 360 and occasionally down to 320-340 and I have fantastic growth so I don't think that's it (although I do notice things don't look quite right when the cal is down at 320)

I've noticed my mg drops a lot in just a week. like 100ppm. I add more of the brs mg than the other 2 (volume). Best of luck hope you sort it out your tank was a beauty.

I have 36 fish in a 150 gallon display :redface: They all get along and my sps grow well..... maybe the fish poop is good. I try to feed about 4 times a day.

Ya, my Ca is good, I've always kept it around 390 -410. Anything over 360-370 is fine in a stable system, the advantage of having at 420 or higher is just as a buffer zone incase of a spike downwards.

I could probably feed the fish more, but again, I don't think that's a major contributor. I recall one member that used to come here had one of the nicest tanks ever, and he almost never fed his 3 or so fish. No supplements for the corals either....

I remember those pics Brad. It was an outstanding sps tank for sure and obvious you knew what you were doing. I for sure have no answer, as I cant even keep them alive anymore. So my hats of to those that can.

I cant see older rock holding back growth, esp. with the use of gfo or whatever the heck new fangled product we use now.

This is an interesting thread.
1. Lighting-intensity is important - related to PAR especially when lighting is 15000k or higher
2. Flow - I used to think high flow is important, but now I am of the opinion waveboxes are the type of high energy flow you want not the ones generated by powerheads (vortechs can also give you this type of wave)
3. Internal recirc - yes, the more dead spots you can eliminate the better -I was convinced by Dez's tank
4. Sandbeds - yes, as long as you have critters to sift it
5. Maturity of the tank-definitely yes - a year or more - balanced biotopes take that long if not longer
6. Fish poop(not alot required) - yes they provide food for the bottom chain feeders
7. Water Quality - yes, 10% change out, carbon etc
8. Ca/Mg - chronic low numbers are indicative of consumption in well established SPS tanks...That is why Dez has been known to unload dump trucks of additives in the tank
9. Ultralith or Zeo - work way better in balanced tanks and you don't have to have the full blown product line to use these products
10. pH/Alk - 7.8 / 8 dKH
11. Other supplements - amino acids yes, use other products if they give you peace of mind and they nuke your tank
12. Salt - find a salt you like - a very expensive salt does not equate to a better tank

Fencer, agreed, and all my parameters are there for success. While I would prefer a wavebox, my tank won't work with one so I'm stuck with Tunzes. However, I've always used them, and bigger ones, with great results. I've used both sand and barebottom, both equally well for growth.

My approach is to try and find what's different this time around. I use a different RO membrane, it's been a constant (prolly needs replacing now). I also have about 30' of flex pvc tubing, which I've never used. Sump is new to my system, maybe it had something in it?
Tank is new, but it was used and had a successful reef in it. All other equipment is my old (successful) stuff.
My photoperiod was reduced to 6 hours/day, I've increased it, but 6 hours of 400w should suffice. But I've increased it just in case.
I feed PE mysis and pellets, just like always.

I've used zeo and not used zeo (full system), with only an increase in color.
I use carbon, 1 cup/month
My default levels are good, and doing bi-weekly water changes should more than keep up with consumption.
I have to say that I have better colors now than I ever did in my old tanks, I'd just like to see it fill in a bit :)

Brad, you seem to have everything covered as far as I can see. Parameters are fine, no pests, sufficient lighting and flow. :noidea: The only thing left to look at IMO is the source water. Is it possible Victoria has changed something in the water supply?

Lance, I'm wondering if it's something with my RO unit. It is a new membrane that I've been using for the entire time. I'm going to swap it out, 'cause it's prolly time anyway :)

What do your TDS read? and if your not having algae issues then save your money and spend it on something else. :)