Signs and symptoms of SPS corals with chemicals

K

kttran_2005

Hi All,

I don't have access to post in the SPS section so I am going to post here instead. I know this topic might had been discussed but I didn't quite get what I am looking for while searching for it. Basically, I am wondering everybody experiences with signs and symptons of SPS corals reflecting to tank's chemicals (nitrite, ph, cal, mag, and so on). I know different corals could tolerant the chemicals differently but just hoping what people have so far. So, if you could share your experiences about how your sps corals react to the chemicals (signs and symptons) that would be great. I truly appreciate that. I am trying to learn about them so I could be a part of success community growing them :). Anyway, please let me know.

Thanks,
Khanh
 
All corals react differently, some are more tolerant than others and some show very few signs before going into meltdown.

This is in no way an all-inclusive summary.....

Nitrates - LPS and Softies tolerate higher levels, some actually do well with low to moderate Nitrate levels. Low Nitrates 0-5ppm, moderate 5-15, high 15-25 ppm. Anything over 25ppm is a problem and you need to deal with it.

pH - Keep your pH between 8-8.4 and you'll be fine. Even levels down to 7.8 can be fine, provided the rest of your parameters are in check, but any lower or higher and you'll run into problems. pH is typically related to the alkalinity levels but not always, but usually low or high pH is the result of high or low Alkalinity.

Alkalinity - keep it betwen 8-10dkh. SPS will prefer the higher end and but all corals will thrive and do well in that range. When you run into problems is when you have big swings or it rises or drops too fast. Signs of that are usually tissue recession or outright tissue loss on the corals. Things like LPS and Softies will often shrink in or close up.

Calcium - Keep it between 400-460ppm. You won't see noticable signs of low or high calcium, but over time if levels are off, you'll see corals start to receed, discolor and look blah.

Magnesium - Keep it between 1350-1450. If it gets too low, corals will fade, in particular Montipora. SPS etc can show signs by fading or recession as well. LPS and softies will react similar to low calcium. High Magnesium doesn't really have a problem, unless it was fast and then you'll see general bleaching which will come back to normal once the number comes down and the corals have a chance to recover.

PO4 - High PO4 corals will brown out, losing color and may start to recede, especially SPS. High PO4 will also cause algae growth and diatoms etc on the glass and sand.


The important thing to learn is that you want to maintain stability. Get your parameters where they need to be then focus on keeping them there by doing regular water changes along with dosing of the primary 3, Alk, Cal and Mg.
 
@kttran_2005 wrote:
Thanks DaveJ said:
You should try and make one of the meetings where you can discuss and questions and issues that you may be having with other reefers. I think that you will find the experience very informative.
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