starting a coral tank

[mark]

Read and found myself Ca is held back by Mg. Likes a 3:1 ratio so try raising your Mg to NSW (~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