Dream Reef Tank - Trouble in Paradise?!

It's a funny hobby reef keeping, we all get the highs and lows which keep it interesting and challenging - but what are the troubles I'm experiencing in the Dream Reef Tank at the moment?
We'll go through the various issues and look at the possible causes and potential solutions.

[@jmdelira87]

Bravo Zulu. Great job on showing us the reality of a successful reef tank

[@adamhudson6812]

One of the main reasons why I watch your videos is the honesty you provide good or bad. Not many KZbinrs share the bad. Sucks things like these happen but gives us opportunities to learn more about the “wildlife” we capture in an enclosure.

[@ParkersReef]

Many thanks - I've long said that I am just another reefer sharing their journey in the hobby. Wouldn't be a fair or accurate representation if I didn't show when things weren't going great! Appreciate the support :)

[@melissaafkrichardson9204]

Great video and amazing tank mate 👌🏻

[@ParkersReef]

Thank you 👍

[@queencityreefs]

Good luck my friend 🤞 Im sure youll figure it out 🙏

[@ParkersReef]

Thank you, I will!

[@chrisprestidge5021]

Great video mate, very informative!

[@ParkersReef]

Much appreciated!

[@Chris58369]

Been following for a while from Maryland, USA Love your videos!!! 😊

[@ParkersReef]

Thanks so much!!!

[@biggrypho3420]

great video mate. so happy you show everything about your reef tank, doom and gloom. Really shows that all these issues can happen to anyone at any time! Ill keep my eye out for Aussie Stripey for ya :)

[@ParkersReef]

Much appreciated!

[@MogsysAquarium]

Loved the update mate and so intuitive, also so glad that you show the good and the bad in this hobby as like you say its not all sunshine and roses, and every Reefer at some point will come into issue's, flat worms are major issue's on Euphilia as you know, and can only see at night time when the coral retracts, as you say take your time. And you will get there in the end. Love the other video with my mate Lee's tank, great video 👍👍

[@ParkersReef]

Appreciate it mate!!

[@cory5386]

Great advice Sam! Alot of people including myself panic when there's a situation with our tanks. Your approach and advice will be the fist thing I watch during my next reefing debacle. Be safe and have a good weekend!

[@ParkersReef]

Thanks mate, you have a good weekend too?

[@TheTopSplit]

Finally caught up on all the dream reef tank series. Thanks for the effor that went in to making them. Was great to be able to see how everything developed over time. While you are in Canberra checking out Beyond Aquariums, will you pop around the corner to see Canberra Marine as well? Just a couple of blocks up the road and run by a nice fella who I've always found very helpful to our local aquarium community here. Either way, great to have the interest in our little neck of the woods.

[@ParkersReef]

I’ll see what I can do, although I will be on a tight timeline

[@shallowreefing]

Ads are still rolling and I’ve already liked the video.

[@ParkersReef]

Haha you’re the best

[@shallowreefing]

@@ParkersReefalso I’m posting a video on Saturday that’s similar to the video you just did. Talking about the ugly side of reefing and showing the ugly so that new reefers know that even seasoned reefers struggle. We just gotta show our struggles more so newbies know that it’s ok.

[@ParkersReef]

For sure mate!

[@TherealG8896]

Bro everytime you upload it’s a good day love seeing the reef! And ur self haha #pause

[@ParkersReef]

Glad you enjoy it, much appreciated!

[@MrEvilmitch]

I hope you get it sorted out Sam best of luck . Look forward to meeting you at Fragorama

[@ParkersReef]

Looking forward to it mate!!!

[@viatameainaustralia7752]

I m in the same boat with you and our tanks are the same age. My problems for LPS was bacteria. I know it was because as soon as I start adding bacteria, the dying process stopped. Old tank syndrome. Had a stripey and eat all my aphasia but also my red cynarina. I stopped the cve+ as well and dose bacteria. Best thing ever.

[@ParkersReef]

Thanks for the suggestions!

[@andrewstrutt1703]

Why did you stop the CVE+? Thanks

[@antoniofaustino2548]

I'm sorry to hear about the problems you are having. About the Euphyllia, I had flat worms in a torch and a frogspawn , and they were receding like yours. My LFS told me to do a deep with Dettol Antiseptic Solution, 1mm in 10mm of RODI mix it well and then fill up with a litre of tank water. No more than 2 minutes and blast it with Turkey baster , the flat worms melted and was a lot of them. I repeat the same one a week for 3 or 4 weeks because of the eggs, and now they are thriving. See you at fragarama. I hope you have time for a coffee.

[@ParkersReef]

Hey mate, many thanks for the support and suggestions. Yep, looking forward to seeing you there and you bet, I’ll have time for a coffee with you!

[@dazsboxofwater]

Yeah not sure if even season at the moment , I’ve got a few pieces STN’ing at the moment , parameters aren’t fine no more than normal nutrient wise , no new fish, did have an ALK spike a month ago so putting it down too that, not just one piece either, tried the fragging part on a nice piece too but like you only one has survived so far & more bits are continuing to strip slowly , I’ve been testing alk like a trident manually & keeping it as stable as possible, not sure what else mine could be…. All my LPS seem fine touch wood, I’ve got my upgrade tank in & now thinking do a full LPS system now & if any SPS survive they go with the transfer if not wasn’t meant to be unfortunately 🤷🏻‍♂️😢. Good luck your end , all the best fella.

[@ParkersReef]

Much appreciated and I wish you all the best with your system. Hopefully on the right path now!!!

[@aquariumaddickuk]

Great video as always!stn is such a pain.my miyagi was thriving and started to shed flesh.fortunatly i fragged it & have some nubs that are colouring up nicely.its gutting when you nurture a frag into a nice mini colony & have to start again 😭😂

[@ParkersReef]

Sorry to hear that! Our tanks sure know how to give us a challenge now and then!

[@MabuyaQ]

How old is the sandbed? Given the bare spots in the front it looks like it may be collecting in some low flow hard to reach spots. That means over time there is also a detritus trap at that location with its own bacterial community that is slowly shifting the balance in the tank causing all kind of difficulties with nutrients and microelements and overall bacterial effects.

[@ParkersReef]

The tank is 3.5 years old and the sand bed is the same age. The sand has shifted to the rear, but I have added some Nero 7 pumps at the rear of the tank to keep the water moving in those areas over the last 12 months or so. Is a fantastic piece of advice though, thank you!

[@josephnassif6557]

You could try a small banner fish for the aptasia, he destroyed my aptasia... but then my zoas and acans were next. So depends if you prefer coral with Aptasia or No Aptasia and healthy SPS

[@emmaruyle6617]

I hope you figure it out! I'm very looking forward to hearing what the cause was!

[@ParkersReef]

I hope so too! I'm sure between all the things discussed, once they are taken care of - the dream reef tank will be back better than ever :)

[@subhra_s_das]

Hi Sam thanks for the footage I’m sure you will get your paradise back soon . I tackled this problem very recently by further lowering down the white spectrum keeping Kessil not more than 45% white and coral care not more than 45% white and with water temp high and low average changing due to season I lowered the intensity a bit as well . This is from an inexperienced reef keeper 😊

[@ParkersReef]

What was the theory behind that?

[@subhra_s_das]

@@ParkersReef I was reading “Remote Sensing of Coral Bleaching Using Temperature and Light: Progress towards an Operational Algorithm” loosely came to.a conclusion

[@ParkersReef]

I suspect in our home ecosystems temperature may be more impact full than light. Corals see much more light in the wild than we give them at home

[@jonathanstephens7804]

Great advice mate, tank still looking awesome. Possible nutrients spike but I feel your pain, hard to pinpoint. I too have been battling aiptasia and a few months back I used Aiptasia X which may not have caused it but they just exploded after this. I've added some Bergia Nudibranches about a month ago but as yet they haven't touched it, patience is key with them I've researched. Still very annoying when Aiptisia is surrounding my hammer. Interested to see what your ICP comes back with. Still running the moonshiners?

[@ParkersReef]

Yeah ICP will be back soon and show if there are any parameters out of whack - although I think they’ll be sweet. I do indeed still do moonshine and that’s why I’m confident they should be sweet as I regularly do ICP to ensure it’s all good. I’ll sort the aptasia out soon enough with some stripey and that should take care of that. Nutrients are on their way down and I’m hoping that rounds out all the issues, but time will tell :) Thanks for your support!

[@322sheffield]

Love the tank and videos. If I may say I know you want a natural look and let things grow but if it was me a would definitely trim back the sps and add even more powerheads.

[@ParkersReef]

I can add more power heads no problem! I do trim some things, but I do tend to leave a lot of them to grow. It's a big tank with a lot of coral, if you try to trim them all back it would be a full time job :D

[@322sheffield]

@ParkersReef haha...I hear you but we signed up for this crazy hobby...keep up the nice work

[@ParkersReef]

@322sheffield thanks mate :)

[@amrishrajkomar2744]

Worth trying a couple of Tomentosus filefish in your system - I had one in my nano tank that cleaned up my whole aiptasia problem. They are also very small fish that can get into tight spots easier. Super cool fish to watch too! I know Williamstown aq has them for sale most of the time. Regarding your hammers, do you think they could be getting blasted with flow a little bit too much? I would personally change the position of that gold hammer and watch how it responds to lower flow.

[@ParkersReef]

Solid advice, thank you.

[@RockysRC]

Hey sam , nothing worse than having some dramas but your not alone as you said we all have these problems and it is very disheartening when you invest so much time and money on this hobby to have things go wrong, hopefully you will get some answers from the ICP test sounds like your on the right track to finding the cause, all the best with it👍

[@ParkersReef]

Many thanks mate, we’ll sort it out and have the tank back to its best before you know it :)

[@Reefahholic]

Tank still looking great Parker. Maybe time for a nice healthy system flush (larger volume water changes over several weeks) and blow the rock work out really well with a few power filters running. Recently did this and my pH shot through the roof and the system is running extremely well. I think blowing the rocks out opens up all the pours and lets the tank function and breathe much better. I used a MJ 1200 and went to town. Floss in the filter cups and two power filters sucks all the crap down with the pumps off.

[@Reefahholic]

I should have listened to the end. I see that you did do that. 🙂

[@ParkersReef]

All good!! I do like to do this relatively often as I’m always amazed at how much crap it releases!! Appreciate the advice though, you’ve always got good ideas!

[@Reefahholic]

@@ParkersReef yes sir! I think it’s very beneficial when the tank starts getting really dirty or just looking off. I think you’re on the right track to getting back on top. Tank is so full, might be good to loose a few pieces so you can have some more room. 😋✅🤗

[@ParkersReef]

@Reefahholic true that!!

[@michaelbalsley6041]

❤ I am so sorry it sounds like you have a lot going on. I hate to say it maybe tackle one thing at a time for sure. Check out the eating. Check out aptasia eating nudibronks sorry spelling driving. definitely get a external frag tank and frag out healthy corals, and then tackle other issues in the main display. You can save a lot of the corals and fix the issues and get it stable again . Plus you get to get a new system.🎉

[@ParkersReef]

haha thanks for the tips!

[@aarondus]

Sorry to see and hear this mate. For the benefit of all, I’d like to share a #7th option to consider- bacterial. Fading colors, STN/RTN, melting torches/hammers are all classic signs of a bacterial problem. Consider getting some water to Eli over at AquaBiomics (or send to me and I’ll submit it for you). His 2x a month runs will give you answers quickly to know if one bacteria or group of them are causing this. If Cipro might be worth looking into (in tank or QT). Any questions mate hit me up. I can send you my AquaBiomics graphs if you’d like to see more. You got this!! Ps what’s the temp of the tank? Might also be worth cooling it down to help reduce stress. Just a thought ;)

[@ParkersReef]

Yeah I think a cipro dose will be in the cards, certainly cannot hurt. Many thanks mate!

[@aarondus]

Anytime. How old is your UV bulb and sleeve? Wonder if it could fancy a clean/replacement. 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@ParkersReef]

It's only at the 8 month mark, so should be good for a while longer yet

[@UnimelbVCCNeurology]

@@ParkersReef I'd never hear of the auabiomics angle - now I'm intrigued. Has anyone shipped a healthy and diseased frag from the same colony to compare and look for bacterial/viral causes of STN?

[@ParkersReef]

I’m not sure if they have attempted this or not, but would be super interesting

[@kersey6496]

My first thought was Heavy Metals, as what Nick said. Hopefully the test will nail it.

[@ParkersReef]

Yeah ICP is on its way :)

[@WarwickCregan]

Another very informative video Sam. Hopefully you can work out what is causing the STN issues soon. I’m following this with much interest. Always something to learn in our reefing hobby. Can I ask what fans you are running over the top of your tank? And what is making them oscillate?

[@ParkersReef]

Many thanks! They’re just a breville desk fan that I’ve mounted upside down on my light frame. Work a treat though!

[@WarwickCregan]

@@ParkersReef Awesome, I’m going to see if I can track a couple down

[@ferrarireef]

Nice vid! I'll be curious to see your ICP results. It could very well be a few factors that have come close together. If you don't track dosing, changes in products, new things you do in the tank, observations of livestock in like an app or even in writing somewhere, recommend you do. Its helped me pin down any potential causes or problems by seeing what changes I made in the last month of a positive or negative observation on my tank. Did you use the Continuum stuff for bubble algae? I find it works well but on the 2 occasions I've used it, it's pissed off maybe LPS and SPS. Coupled with another stress like an increase in nutrients may of been enough to knock some coral over that stress threshold. I'm sure you'll get to the bottom of it either way. Hang in there ❤

[@ParkersReef]

Many thanks! Appreciate the tips, will get the dream reef cranking back to it's best in no time :)

[@ferrarireef]

I have no doubt :)

[@Netgear1968]

Following from Isle of Skye Scotland

[@ParkersReef]

I’ll have to look that up 😅

[@maulguet]

In part2 of your interview with Michael, How to make corals thrive!. Michael touches on low Barium . Below 5 . You can get RTN’s and STN’s. Might be worth a look. Love your tank tours !

[@ParkersReef]

Yeah spot on. I have been keeping that barium level elevated as a part of my moonshiners program, but will be sure to double check it on my next ICP!

[@anthonygenovas2429]

Learning never stops!😂

[@ParkersReef]

Ain’t that the truth!!!

[@Tohei08]

I feel you with the aiptasia problem... once my CBB passed, my aiptasia population exploded. Have you kept an eye out on your filefish? I've had SO many problems with them, that I will never try them again.

[@ParkersReef]

Yeah I have kept an eye on him, but nothing to say he isn’t causing issues when lights are out.. I’ll come out one night and watch with a red light :)

[@fryscritters6557]

Do the live stream. Great video and content

[@ParkersReef]

ok will do!

[@CalebHughes-kh6hf]

In regards to your lps. Have you possibly looked into KFC (Kung Fu Corals) euphyllia dip recipe? It's supposedly life changing for flesh recision on Euphyllia.

[@ParkersReef]

I have done it once before and it did work wonders, certainly could be time for a second dose (as the last one was a couple years ago)

[@zburnreefing]

ICP and some frequent water changes to reset the system is what I would do. To rule out other issues, a few nights after lights out of using a white colored flashlight will do wonders - can easily see bite marks or other signs of pests, can identify any critters that may be munching at night, can observe if you have polyp extension to gauge overall health. Lastly, I'd check for broken heaters, stray voltage, and all my magnets to see if anything looks off. My guess is you'll never figure out the issue and with patience and some water changes, things will rebound just fine.

[@ParkersReef]

Yep, water changes are on the cards (my tank actually has continuous changes - but they’ve been ramped up) Hopefully the latest ICP will show some other items that can be improved upon

[@SmartReefArt]

Hey Sam, how do you actually trouble shoot in these cases? When they're could be several reasons for the issues.

[@ParkersReef]

One by one, as discussed in the video. A few things there I want to get on top of regardless of if they’re causing the issue or not - so they’re good places to start

[@davidjohnson56]

I am no longer in the hobby, but was for 15 years and experienced all this. STN in my case was usually an indication of irritation and infection of the coral. Seeing your mixed reef with Euphies also experiencing problems I would of run Carbon heavy. Also check your MG and Potassium. Magnesium is critical to growith and color, along with Potassium. I would also up the feeding of the corals.

[@ParkersReef]

Thank you for your detailed suggestions :)

[@davidjohnson56]

@@ParkersReef Welcome... good luck resolving your issues. BTW.. irritation came from several sources. From fish nipping to flow, even snails at eating algae at the bases... but when corals are stressed or fighting each other its not just contact, its also chemical warfare in the water column hence the carbon. Assume you know this, but will add it just in case its new. If you run carbon heavy, adjust the lighting schedule down 10-20% as the changes in water clarity can jolt corals, then slowly adjust it back to normal over a few weeks to give them time to adapt.

[@ParkersReef]

@davidjohnson56 many thanks

[@bozburn371]

What was the treatment for the bubble algae?

[@ParkersReef]

Continuum clean m and equation m

[@6jdhd]

First i would do is put polyfilter in your sump and if it changes colors then you got metal or somthing in your system the bag will tell you what you have from the color that is changed. Sec what is your ph at day and night. I have noticed the biggest rtn and stn problem is ph. Is ph is dropping at 7.4 at night and day is 8.2. Then that another problem that will cause stn and rnt. And third is stray voltage will also cause this to, but you will notice fish and corals having issues.

[@ParkersReef]

yeah polyfilter is a good idea, although the ICP should pick up and define precisely the contaminant if there is one. PH is a bit lower on my tank, but it hasn't got any lower of late. It drops to a lowest point of 7.8 when my c02 media is depleted and hits about a peak of 8.3 during the day when the media is fresh. Not great, but I don't think it is the issue. Stray voltage is one that I hadn't thought of and can certainly check out - thank you for the tip!

[@Whaleydavey]

I’m no expert like you Parker. If I had to guess I would say the nitrate amount could be the issue for at least a few of those corals. Maybe the corals all have different issues, ie- not one issue is the main one.

[@ParkersReef]

I’m no expert!! But yes, I agree, certainly appears to be a few issues at play not just one smoking gun :)

[@stephenbassett1610]

Hi Sam, I've got a similar problem with Apttsia don't think I can get Australia Strippeis in the UK, do I've ordered a Aphasia eating file fish, I would like a copper band but I have an established sailing tang snd might best him up, what do you think Sam? Than you.

[@ParkersReef]

you should be able to get Australian stripeys over there, but they do seem to be a little tough to come by.. Be sure to get your LFS to ask their wholesaler if they can track them down. They are aptasia eating machines!

[@chriskeegan7520]

Do you test the water manually or do you rely on automatic testing 🤔

[@ParkersReef]

I do both, actually more than both. Automated tests across a couple of devices, spin touch tests once a week, manual tests once a week and ICP every few months :)

[@HeftyReefs]

For the hammers, check early in the morning way before the lights come on when the polyps are fully receeded, check for flatworm around the flesh band. I struggled with these pests for a while but that's the only thing i can think of.

[@ParkersReef]

Many thanks, will do 👍🏻

[@Whaleydavey]

Does Parker have a clam in the tank? I hear that the flatworms (if present) go for the clams first.

[@ParkersReef]

@Whaleydavey no clam. No real indicator of flat worms to be honest though

[@Whaleydavey]

@@ParkersReef Ok - keep persevering. Still currently one of the nicest home tanks in KZbin, even with the setbacks.

[@ParkersReef]

yeah it's not all doom and gloom, the tank is doing well overall, just a couple of challenges to see it back to it's best

[@andrewstrutt1703]

A 5L weed pressure sprayer filled with SW will help lift detritus from nooks and crannies and remove algae

[@ParkersReef]

That’s good thinking, thank you!

[@dancohen8305]

If you add t5 lighting and remove some of the led your stn will stop. Led cast direct light and create shadows while t5 light crest true usable light with little to 0 shadows. I have had my shop 15 years t5 light will save most of this issue as the base will get the light it requires

[@JCTReefer]

Man that really sucks about the Euphyllia. 😢 After losing several thousand dollars in hammers and torches over the years, I finally quit keeping them. Sad because those corals are what got me into the hobby originally. I’ve always loved hammers and torches. Hope things turn around!!!!

[@ParkersReef]

Thanks mate, I’m sure they will one way or another!!

[@SuperRedbelly]

Sorry to see this mate..couple of things you didn’t touch on…Source water! How old are your membranes and is your DI resin good? Is there any slime or BJD on the hammers? As someone said I might be time for a dose of cipro. I recently had something kick off in my too mate just effecting gonioporas. Hydrogen peroxide and KCI dips are also very helpful at halting bacterial infections. Hopefully you get to the bottom of it…I reckon it maybe your RODI Can’t wait for the “i found it update” All the best Wu Tang Clam

[@ParkersReef]

I use NSW, so my RODI is only used in my Kalkwasser. But yes, I did just recently changed my membrane and pre filters (plus resin) on it. Not to say that I would be in the clear on source water issues, but the ICP should pick any problems there up. I do suspect a bacterial issue which a course of Cipro should address (hopefully!). I have not had any BJD on any of the LPS, they very very slowly recede away - which is good, but also tricky to diagnose what is happening. To be honest, I am not convinced I will "find it" but I am 100% certain that I will solve it. Between cleaning up the aptasia, the detritus, getting the nutrients under control, checking parameters on ICP and getting a course of cipro in there - surely it gets under control. If not, some fish may need to be re-homed :D

[@Reefj9]

Hi Parker Thanks for spreading so much of knowledge... I would suggest the following over and above what you are doing.. a flatworm treatment ( use korallen zucht Flatwork stop) along with coral booster... check on silicate in your RO water.. this causes a lot of aptesia and bubble algae in combination of nutrient spikes... and do a coral snow treatment twice a week to remove nutrients faster... for nitrate spikes use vodka and vinegar and sugar ... you may like to see how i create my RO water in my channel Reefj9 on youtube...

[@ParkersReef]

Thanks so much for the suggestions and for watching the video. We'll get back on top of this tank in no time!

[@Crakencorals]

Morning, there was a shot in the video that had some cyano. Do you ever think there is a bacterial imbalance from using the bubble algae killer?

[@ParkersReef]

yeah always a little cyano showing up where there is some coral die off, could well be bacterial imbalance

[@grantrogers2878]

I'd say the Aiptasia is the issue. I went through similar issues and added a Stripey. Don't have Aiptasia issues anymore but lost two yellow tangs because the Stripey is so food focused and hogs it all.

[@ParkersReef]

Yeah I’ll definitely be getting them out, they cannot be helping at all 😅

[@biotex3]

Would it make more sense to get Berghia nudibranchs than a stripey for those hard to reach aiptasia infestations?

[@ParkersReef]

not available in Australia I am afraid :)

[@johnfitzgerald5158]

Can you get a matted filefish? I had one of those take care of aptasia for me.

[@ParkersReef]

Already have one 😅

[@johnfitzgerald5158]

@@ParkersReef lol. He needs help.

[@ParkersReef]

he needs to get the idea about eating them again. Would follow the stripey before, but is lazy again :D

[@domenicolangella2397]

The Fox Face would be my prime suspect. They are know to nip at corals and it seems that the problems have started almost date coincident with him being added.

[@ParkersReef]

Certainly a possibility, will keep an eye on him

[@ArrickthaRed]

The Dream Eeef is not allowed to have problems. I personally do not think your fish are the reason your sps are dying but I do think they are just finishing them off. For the aiptasia I know for you in Australia that peppermint shrimp might not be possible as you would need an army and you have some fish that might feed on them. Berghia nudibranchs do work. They are super expensive but if you get some and they start breeding one day a few months from now you will just notice they are all gone. One thing I noticed you did not mention that could be the culprit is something rusting in the system. A bad magnet a rusty fitting or a screw that fell into the sump. People tend to overlook this but is could explain why you are having issues with both sps and lps. I have heard of dipping in chemiclean to stop stn as well as bacterial infections in euphillya. Good luck. Hope you get back on track soon.

[@ParkersReef]

Appreciate the advice! ICP should pickup a bad magnet I’m hoping, nudis are not available down here but stripey do the job well :)

[@calebbeal675]

You don’t suspect your gold angle?

[@ParkersReef]

Potentially. It’s not a gold angel though, it’s a tigerpyge :)

[@davebirks3158]

Hi adam.chromis are known to strip sps when breeding ive seen it happen hth

[@ParkersReef]

Yes, and they are definitely showing breeding behaviour

[@Josh-vd9gh]

Would peppermint shrimp help your aptasia issue just a suggestion

[@ParkersReef]

I have hawk fish in the tank that love to eat shrimp unfortunately :)

[@Josh-vd9gh]

@@ParkersReef bugga ..... Btw love the channel mate will help support you in a sec by becoming a member

[@ParkersReef]

@Josh-vd9gh thanks so much, appreciate it!

[@Josh-vd9gh]

Hope to meet you in a few weeks time in Brisbane

[@ParkersReef]

you bet, if you're coming to Fragarama - be sure to come say hi!

[@ellasellinon2425]

It's either something leaching in the water heavy metals, or bacterial. If nothing off with the ICP, it would be almost sure that it's bacterial.

[@ParkersReef]

Thanks for the help!

[@NRKA]

I have narrowed STN onto bacterial a few times, happens quite often when the UV bulbs are due to be replaced. No proof on the theory thooo

[@joebeasley6746]

That fimbriaphyllia might have a boring worm in it? You'd probably have to do an autopsy on the skeleton. Good luck!

[@ParkersReef]

Will pull it out for a dip and investigate, cheers!

[@Reefkpr1]

Sorry you are having some troubles. Never fun. I'm not sure of any pest that would target both SPS and LPS. Have you considered flow? It looks like your SPS has become very dense with growth and perhaps some of the flow is being blocked? You really didn't mention ICP. I'm sure you are doing them for the moonshine. I'm sure you would have mentioned if anything stuck out in the ICP results. Like you said we all experience troubles from time to time. Best of luck. Tank still looks amazing despite the few problems you are facing.

[@ParkersReef]

Yeah I think the tank could use some more flow, I have some spare pumps so might add them in. ICP does get done regularly to make sure nothing has gone skew

[@samdunwell9362]

Even though it works and cleans up the rock when ive used in the pass "continuum clean" i have lost SPS after the short corse of using the product. 🤷

[@ParkersReef]

I’ve used it a few times and not lost anything, but there could always be a first!

[@les959]

My sps started looking bad, I had an ICP and it showed high copper. Turns out my ro unit isnt cutting it! ive been topping up and making up my doseing with basically copper water!!!!!

[@ParkersReef]

yeah ICP is on it's way, I'm not expecting it to show any contaminants (had one done not too long ago), but is always the best place to start!

[@NRKA]

We nearly lost that 3m tank to 32ppm nitrates, we lost maybe 20% of the sps. 45 is cray cray 😅

[@ParkersReef]

Im not convinced the nitrate or even the phosphate is the issue (could be contributing) as I've seen incredible SPS tanks with way over 300ppm nitrates before!!

[@jhaych]

Maybe they got used to the high nutrients? My mixed reef is unhappy if my phosphate is under 0.10 and my nitrate is under 10! I usually run it around 10 nitrate and 0.10 phosphate, but any less and they sulk etc

[@ParkersReef]

It’s still quite high in the tank, only reducing slowly. Currently at 25ppm nitrate and 0.18ppm phosphate

[@jhaych]

@@ParkersReef oh haha I'm wrong then! Maybe they want it back to the lower levels! I do doubt it though!

[@ParkersReef]

I'm slowly bringing it back to my usual levels of around 5ppm nitrate and 0.05ppm phosphate :)

[@bopeep7806]

I had lemon damsels never touched anything, when they reached maturity they stripped my sps and I caught them nipping at lps

[@ParkersReef]

little bugger! I might have to remove them yet...

[@1GolfJones]

I'd pull the Chromis whether or not they're causing the corals death. You already know they fight with each other and bully other fish.

[@ParkersReef]

Yeah it’s tempting…

[@adamgale2189]

that lighting is insane the lighting must be 5k

[@ParkersReef]

As in dollars? Yeah there is a few bucks worth in the light frame, but it’s really the most important part in a reef system

[@nick_timberreef]

Heavy metals, rusting probe or equipment parts.

[@ParkersReef]

Will see what the latest ICP shows (Y)

[@cvin13]

Would try cipro

[@ParkersReef]

Yes def will, thank you

[@reeffactory]

Sam, we will be happy to run ICP test for you, hopefully that will help.

[@ParkersReef]

Thank you ❤️❤️❤️

[@halidmalik6306]

I seen STN and RTN from my fellow reefer its sad but always happen in mature system maybe trace element is the issue with your system

[@ParkersReef]

possible, although I monitor trace elements with ICP tests. Sometimes it happens, still lots of learnings to be made in this hobby!

[@halidmalik6306]

one thing great about this hobby the challenges endless thanks parker great video another learning journey

[@jonathanreich9694]

Possibly stray electricity?

[@ParkersReef]

yeah possibly, is something I will look into!

[@anthonygenovas2429]

I came across an article that high magnesium levels cause that issue.. just an idea.

[@ParkersReef]

Interesting. If anything my magnesium is a touch low at the moment 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@claycor5990]

I've got lots of vermitid snails, and I can't get rid of them

[@gibbnal]

Me too. I need about 100 bumblebee snails.

[@claycor5990]

Too bad we can't get them here in Australia

[@ParkersReef]

I’ve got vermatid, always have in all my tanks but never find them too invasive

[@jackson6745]

Not sure what you did for bubble algae, but if you used brightwell razor that is your issue. That stuff should be pulled off the shelves.

[@codyspencer3491]

Vermatids are my biggest problem right now too

[@thomasl1101]

Hey Buddy, aiptasia is a really annoying thing. Buy 10 wurdemanni shrimps and your problem will go away in 4-6 weeks. Greetings from Germany

[@ParkersReef]

Thanks for the tip! Not sure we can get those in australia (we cannot import shrimp) Plus I have hawk fish in the tank, so they’d eat them pretty quick 😬😬😬

[@thomasl1101]

@@ParkersReef oh yeah the hawkfish can be a problem

[@opethmike]

The truth is that I have been living in the cabinet

[@ParkersReef]

Lol

[@janir1838]

Low pH?

[@ParkersReef]

Yeah good thought, but it’s not overly low. Between 7.8 and 8.2

[@janir1838]

Under 8ph is low. Corals withstand problems better ph 8

[@ParkersReef]

@janir1838 no doubt, this is not something that has changed in this tank (or any of my tanks for the last ten years) though so I don’t think is the issue here

[@janir1838]

@@ParkersReefHope you find the problem. If you have pathogen bacteria oxalic acid dipp can help

[@ParkersReef]

@janir1838 many thanks :)

[@calebbeal675]

Run some antibiotics?

[@ParkersReef]

Antibiotics can be risky, need to know what you’re targeting before jumping in or you can cause more issues

[@GenePlotkin]

Sounds like it could be a bacterial issue.

[@ParkersReef]

certainly a chance yeah, cipro dose on the way!

[@Wetbandits34]

Just do water changes

[@ParkersReef]

I do :)

[@vergeperformance3415]

Cipro time 500 mg per 100 gallon at night turn uv carbon off skimmer is ok to keep on 4 days in a row dose bacteria after

[@ParkersReef]

Yeah I think so!

[@markushoehle1207]

Dont Dose cipro, maybe IT is the wrong way aß You kill all microbiom and You simple cant Dose bacteria in the neccessary viarity. Icp test done?

[@ParkersReef]

ICP test is on it's way, so that will highlight any parameters that are high or low.

[@davidridland]

Just get some peppermint shrimp they are cheap and love eating aptasia

[@ParkersReef]

Hawk fish like them a little too much :)

[@davidridland]

Yes delicious snacks for hawkfish

[@codyspencer3491]

If ICP doesnt show anything funny I'd do a course of cipro.

[@ParkersReef]

Definitely worth it I think, lots of things pointing towards a bacterial issue