Need HELP, trouble keeping corals, sps and lps

[azulikit]

Ok, thanks for your help on this........ Next one........please. I attached another pic of the lighting area I have (in original post). It is very limited as the aquarium is built in to a finished cabinet. There is a measurement for height, total length available is 48 inches. Is there something I can put in this space that will work or should I just tear everything down and start over with a proper sump, tank, complete entire set-up, build a new cabinet, LOL!!

[nlreefguy]

I'm not trying to be critical for the sake of it so please don't take this the wrong way but that's too many fish for a tank you are trying to keep challenging corals in. Plus, I notice you have a large angel fish which in all likelihood will either a) continue to maintain water quality as an ongoing issue or b) make a nice light snack out of your corals. I agree as well that it is very odd to have that many fish and no nitrate, esp with phosphates that high. Typically when you are keeping SPS and/or large (and beautiful!) fish together like that it requires either a really large tank or extreme maintenance effort on you part (ideally both). That's why most people end up making a choice between corals and fish like large angels, not doing both (I said most!). Again, just trying to offer advice, not dictate. Please don't be offended.

[nlreefguy]

and on further inspection, looks like what is happening to the SPS coral may be STN or RTN (slow tissue necrosis or rapid tissue necrosis, depending of course on how fast it's happening). This has many potential causes but could be related to a water quality issue of some type (including acclimation issues).

[azulikit]

nlreefguy - I knew a stab would come back about the tank loading. Those little buggers are always fighting for the camera lens hence almost every fish was in the pic. I tried to hide them but no luck. It looks a bit worse then it really is. I will agree that maybe there is a little overloading but I think it is still respectable. When they get too big they will go to new homes. Don't call the reef police, ok. My focus?....... To have a reef with everything! Well not everything but a nice complement of fish and corals. I would agree with your diagnosing of STN or RTN, ya right I don't have a clue what that is. Got some reading to do, thanks for your comments.

Any ideas where I can buy a new light for this set-up?

[nlreefguy]

my pleasure i just hope some of it has been useful. ithink the cheapest effective lights you could get would be a diy retrofit job that you could mount to your canopy. i really dont know where to tell you to get the components - i'm in Canada!

[Marlin65]

I would say upgrade your lights and stick to LPS to start (make sure your angels do not eat them) Then after that if things go well try SPS again.
Hope that helps you out a bit. good luck and don't be afraid to ask. Some of us might be a bit harsh on you but don't let that get you down we are only trying to help.

[SmallFry]

Originally Posted by azulikit

Any ideas where I can buy a new light for this set-up?

Probably not the cheapest option, but I think the sunlight supply T5 Tek Light is only 2.5" high, that might well fit? I've been seriously considering one myself, but the price is putting me off at the moment (trying to buy a house too). The best price I found (in Canada) was Ocean Aquatics. Also, if you can get around any corrosion issues the sun blaze is a bit cheaper.

Rob.