starting a coral tank

[eWarren]

I have a 75g fish tank for a year and a bit more. Recently I am trying to do coral. So, I divide one third of my 75g into a reef tank. I am not sure what's missing in my tank, but some clove polyps I bought from J&L which used to regularly open and close their "hands" when they were in shop does not do it anymore after came into my tank. And I also seems have trouble to bring my calcium level to 450. Currently, my ca reading is around 350 to 390. Mg is about 1100. Use Instant Ocean's salt mix. Kent turbo ca. Alkalinity is about 9.8 dKH. Any one can give me sme himt? :wink: Thank you.

[vazgor]

what kinda light are you useing and what is your ph do you have live rock could be lots o chit

[eWarren]

I use corallife 4x65w pc light. Not sure about the ph, I havn't measure it for long long time. I have about 50 - 65 lb of live rock and what do you mean by lots of chit? :sad:

[Canuckgod420]

How do you divide a 75g tank into 1/3 reef tank?
I dont think you bought clove polyps, if they pulsed in store it is most likey pulsing xenia, and they like fairly strong light and medium flow.

[eWarren]

Yes, you are right. I think I got xenia. So, do you think its the light issue? I do have good wwater flow. :sad:

[mark]

Read and found myself Ca is held back by Mg. Likes a 3:1 ratio so try raising your Mg to NSW (http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.php) (~1280ppm) for a higher Ca.

To get the Xenia pulsing can be hit and miss but they do seem to like a higher pH to pulse (8.3).

[eWarren]

If finally I get my water to the "ideal reading" again, will my Xenia pulsing again?

[marie]

Nobody really knows for sure why xenia pulses. Some people with "ideal" water quality can't even get xenia to survive so thats a hard question to answer

Just for the record anything above 380 is fine for calcium, i've found 450 to be a bit too high (it's more likely to precipitate out and cause a bit of a snow storm)

[Jason McK]

Warren Great to see you on Canreef.

Getting your Mg up will likly help with your CA. But really I don't think 350 - 390 is all that bad for soft corals.
how is your Nitrate, Ammonia, Nitrite. Also since your tank used to be a fish only did you ever treat the tank for anything using copper?

Jason

[VFX]

I had xenia's in my last reef.

They never pulsed unless I turned the pumps off & then they pulsed liked mad.

I redirected the flow around my tank to make a slightly calmer area, moved the xenia's over & then they were happy and started to pulse & spread like wildfire.

[eWarren]

Even I just have fish tank, I have live rock since day one, therefore, I never use copper in my tank. mmm... about nitrate, nitrite and ammonia, In the beginning of first 3 month, I check these number. But after then, fish are fine, I stopped measure them. What kind of salt mix do you use?

Warren

[VFX]

Reef Crystals or Pro Reef seem to work well for me.

[Jason McK]

I use Tropic Marin Pro. But will be switching once RBS come to Canada.

But any of the salts on the market will support corals. Low levels in ALK, CA or Mg. Will not cause coral death but may stunt growth.

J