devils finger

[Coral104]

I seem to have a problem. I recently added a devils finger to my tank..not sure the size...(48"x 18"x 18") I think its a 90 gallon. It is a saltwater tank. I set it up 3 months ago. I have a power compact lighting and a 65w white light ( had a blue coral one too but son broke it) Okay, this devils finger has been with me for two weeks and it looks like its melting. I moved the power head to increase water flow..I previously had it hitting the back of tank now moved it to centertop of tank flowing straight across. The devils finger is on opposite end against glass sitting on a rock 4-5 inches off floor. The LFS said just leave it it will be fine, will adjust etc. I didn't like that response to my unhappy friend what could be going on?? I would appreciate suggestions. I did a 20% water change a couple of days ago. Also my Zinnia started looking sad too not full and open like before..help...please. Also, water conditions tested fine. temp is 76 salinity is between 1.021 and 1.022. even goniporea (flower pot looking coral) isnt coming out like 2 weeks ago. should I be testing for something else?? thanks.

[mbeach66]

hey, These corals are VERY sensitive to water conditions, and your Salinity should be about 1.025 and your temp should be possibly a little higher. Try these and see if it helps.

[tileman]

I agree I think you should keep your temp at 78 at least, but not more than 80, Do you check your calcium ,Dkh, magnesium, Have you started feeding your corals?
In my opinion I would not put them in direct water currentyoure xenia requires lots of light and a small amount of iodine in the water wouldnt hurt. Raise youre salinity up to 1.024 also.
I hope this helps, good luck.
Brad

[Coral104]

I put a small amount of iodine once a week. How do you check calcium, Dkh, and magnesium? I feed the corals micro vert twice a week and strontium and molybdenum twice a week. 2 Garlic drops daily mixed with flakes (more for fish) calcium buffer a and b each morning a squirt. Do I need a calcium reactor?? I noticed they are like $400. What is dkh? I feed the frogspawn and hammer coral brine once a week. the lfs tells you one thing and then you hear differently. thanks. I have invested lots of mula and well worth it, but I want everything to be healthy and I am frustrated. there seems to be an increase in brownish colored algae on the gravel (crushed coral). I never had this before either.

[Coral104]

are bio balls bad ?why

[tileman]

bio balls arent bad but once your live rock is fully established I would slowly remove your bio balls because they tend to be nitrate factory's.
your live rock should be enough bio filtration for your tank.
Inyour other post , to test alk , cal, and mag you should by seachems test kits, they sell them individually and I find them very reliable, just ask if your lfs has the Seachem test kits

[tendar]

you also need to replace the broken bulb if you have not all ready as 1 bulb is not near enough lite for your corals.

[Coral104]

Well I have a 265watt power compact hood and the light that broke was the regular dual 48 inch T-12 bulbs they were the blue actinic and one broke and I replaced it with a regular white bulb from home depo. Is this enough light? Another problem. My whole tank is about to fail, I feel it. There is brownish algae like I mentioned before. I think my tank is leaking but dont know where its coming from, where could it be leaking? HELP!!! Slowly remove bio balls right..a few a day? How long does it take live rock to establish? I have had them in there for 3 months. HELP PLEASE

[Coral104]

Okay, found the leak. I have a backpack protein skimmer that seems to be leaking.

[tendar]

Algea is normal and you will have a few stages of algea over the first year as the tank settles in and matures.
Do you have any clean up clew like snails and hermits and such to help clean up algea and excess foods and fish waste?
YOu are doing it right with the bio balls. The live rock will have allready started doing its part once you put it in.
Your lights. Is it a 2x65 power compacts or 4x65 watt compacts? 2x65 is a bit low and 4x65 is good.
No you dont need a calcium reactor. ONce you get a calcuim and alkalinty test kit you can determine how much you need to be adding of you 2 part supplements to keep the calcium around 400-450 and alk 9-11dkh.
Regualer water changes of 20-25% will cover most of the rest of the stuff with out needing additives other than a touch of iodine once a week for the xenia.
Oh and what salt brand are you using?