how to get corals to grow

Are you running an RO unit? If not it would seriously help with any nutrient issues you might be having. I would also say that you might be seeing less growth from your 20k's. I've noticed that after switching from 15k's to 20k's that my growth seems to have slowed quite a bit. Other than that it's kind of a hit and miss game, sps and lps can both grow very slowly depending on the type. If all else fails stop dosing all your additives and go with just the salt mix for a month and see if it makes a difference. HTH Jason

 

Do you feed your coral?

One of the subjects at the frag fest is about feeding your reef. People dont think that corals need to feed but they do.

Fish poop is a good start, how many fish do you have?

 

You should try to get back to the basics and feed your fish instead of dosing vitamins or AA's. Those supplements are for advanced aquarists who already have established tanks. I wouldn't try to rush it too much, just be patient and let your tank come into its own.

 

Agree with slovan, fish poo makes your coral grow so feed your fish a combination of foods.

Water Changes?

 

If you are going to spend $25, get some Rod's food or homemade food from club members. It would feed everything from fish to corals.

 

Ok, sorry but this is bugging me groth is spelled like this "growth"........ ok, continue on......... /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/wink.gif

 

Here is what I suggest ....

Make sure the big 3 parameters (Calcium, Alkalinity and Magnesium) are in balance with each other. This is critical for tank stability and promoting growth.

I would bring down your calcium to about 420ppm and get your alk in balance with it at 9dkh.
I would also bring the magnesium down to 1280 to 1300ppm.

I would also suggest that you do a weekly water change of 5% of the water...this keeps vital trace elements refreshed and promotes growth also.
What test kits are you using for the parameters you listed?

If you keep your tank stable at those parameters you will see your growth explode.

eins

 

Oh....I almost forgot.
Here is a link to a great parameter calculator that can help you keep the big 3 in balance.... http://reef.diesyst.com/flashcalc/flashcalc.html

eins

 

Oyster eggs are a good food but DONT over do it.

 

I would make sure that you test for them regularly and try to get them to the the above recommended levels but DO IT SLOWLY...sudden changes in parameters can have devastating effects on corals.

Once the parameters are at good levels, balanced and rock steady I think you will see growth explode. My tank sure did.
Ask Waverz how his tank responded when he balanced his parameters at the right levels.

Hope that helps,,,,
eins

 

Posted By saltwater2003 on 09/29/2008 06:27 PM
tanks been up for over a year with no groth frog spawn candy cane nothing grows what should i be feeding them ? as far as the vitamin & amino acid -supplement i see im getting a lot better color in my coral but no groth whats a good coral food to feed coral?
I have the same questions asked above...  I get growth just want to know whats best to feed them.