Problem with acroporas

[juannnn]

Hello Juan, I would additional recommend you a ICP test, maybe it will show something.

G.Alexander

Thanks for the recommendation, I was thinking of making one too. The truth is that it is something strange today I see a lot of improvement in almost all the acroporas, except for a couple. I continue with the 10% weekly changes. I have also observed burnt tips in some acropora, the reason is always high kh and low nutrients? I have to change the zeolite, do you recommend me to do or wait? Thank you

[G.Alexander]

What is the actual KH and the actual PO4 level Juan ?

At the moment I would try to keep changes at a very low level so changing the zeovit material might cause issues with the already stressed corals. Depending to the actual PO4 level I would like to give you a recommendation if you post it.

Which kind of potassium test kit do you use and do you have a second one or a reference to cross check ?

A TDS test is something I would do for sure.

G.Alexander

[juannnn]

What is the actual KH and the actual PO4 level Juan ?

At the moment I would try to keep changes at a very low level so changing the zeovit material might cause issues with the already stressed corals. Depending to the actual PO4 level I would like to give you a recommendation if you post it.

Which kind of potassium test kit do you use and do you have a second one or a reference to cross check ?

A TDS test is something I would do for sure.

G.Alexander

My actual kh is 7.3 p04 0.01 NO3 10 . Now my corals are OK everyday I see my corals improving coloration except the corals that have burn tips.
My potassium test is sslifert, I only have one I have always used the same brand
My tds always are 0 or 1It's been a while since I changed the membrane and the filters, I only change the resins.

[G.Alexander]

Thank you for your update Juan, glad to hear things are getting back to normal again 👍

G.Alexander

[jacky]

Hello juannnn, I am also using the Salifert brand potassium test kit, and sometimes (not often) I test for potassium and it gives me a pretty bad reading, (I thought to myself this is unlikely to be the reading) so, I Retest water, also clean bottle with Ro/DI, wipe dry. After that, it gave me an exact value. There was also a situation where the test solution from the old test kit was running out and it was giving me bad numbers, I tested again and it still gave me a bad number, I opened the new test kit to check and it gave me correct number. I always get my potassium levels tested frequently so I know this is not normal.

I would recommend that you get new test kits to cross-check to make sure the actual potassium concentration is there.

[jacky]

Not sure if you have an idea of the exact actual reactor flow. Using a small container, collect the reactor outlet for 30 seconds, volume x120, so you know the flow.

Bonus thoughts: Is there anything else in the new water or how about changing it out? (activated carbon/ozone/etc) (although you say the corals seem to get better with fresh water, that's your observation)

As G. said: It could be because you have anything in your system that leaches harmful substances, like metal or plastic softeners, etc. When you change the water, they get diluted, so the concentration is temporarily low but that's just a theory.

Could you please share a picture of the sump showing the equipment you are using, also please check if you have any non-silicone hoses in your system and if there are hoses made of soft plastic. (If possible, share with more pictures to let us know more, maybe we can see something)

[jacky]

I also recommend you do the ICP test, it's good. Another idea: Check the magnet brush on the glass for a perfect look. And any pumps also check, whether the cooling copper pipes also leach copper extra (how healthy are the shrimp/snails?)

Were there any additional changes/additions/equipment before coral health went downhill? Let us know (and let us clarify the question)