kevinpo
Expert
Hello,
From looking at your picture and parameters. I will guess that your problem started from the increase in lighting intensity. If the corals were doing fine until the lighting change it is logical that increased intensity is the cause. Algae growth can be quickly triggered even in a very clean tank because the dead coral tissue provides food for the algae at that specific location. If you are having algae issues in other parts of your tank then nutrient buildup needs to be addressed.
Water flow, like lighting is not so much a function of x amount per gallon but quality. A well dispersed flow at alternating intervals is better than mounting several power-heads and providing static laminar flow in very high velocity and GPH.
Alkalinity of 7 dKH is not a reason for concern although I personally like 8.3 dKH (2.97 meq/L) as my target.
In an ideal environment nitrate and phosphate should be undetectable in a shallow water high light reef tank. It is the result of your input load and export mechanisms being in balance.
HTH,
Kevin
From looking at your picture and parameters. I will guess that your problem started from the increase in lighting intensity. If the corals were doing fine until the lighting change it is logical that increased intensity is the cause. Algae growth can be quickly triggered even in a very clean tank because the dead coral tissue provides food for the algae at that specific location. If you are having algae issues in other parts of your tank then nutrient buildup needs to be addressed.
Water flow, like lighting is not so much a function of x amount per gallon but quality. A well dispersed flow at alternating intervals is better than mounting several power-heads and providing static laminar flow in very high velocity and GPH.
Alkalinity of 7 dKH is not a reason for concern although I personally like 8.3 dKH (2.97 meq/L) as my target.
In an ideal environment nitrate and phosphate should be undetectable in a shallow water high light reef tank. It is the result of your input load and export mechanisms being in balance.
HTH,
Kevin
