Who Gives A Fish Forums

Need some help with my brain coral - had it for about 4 months now and it's never looked its best. Always showed feeders, but lately, it's shrunk down and I haven't seen any feeders for almost a week.

My feeding routine's been the same - coral frenzy and reef chili weekly, and I broadcast feed the whole tank. No spot feeding for me.

Water params are: Ammonia 0, Nitrite 0, Nitrate 50, Alk 10, Calc 420, Mag 1350, Sal 1.026, and Temp 79. No fish picking on it, no new fish, just a few new SPS corals that I dipped in Bayers and placed next to it for acclimation.

Here's what it used to look like. And this is what it looks like now - even during the day, it's not much better (night shot with no lights).

I'm thinking maybe the 10dkh Alk could be the cause? I didn't check it for a month and it shot up from the usual 9. Also been trying to lower the Nitrate with vinegar, but it's been stuck around 50 for a few months.

Or could it be the Bayers? I dipped and rinsed those new SPS frags and put them next to it, but everything else around it seems fine - Goni, mushrooms, zoas, leather, etc.

I'm thinking of moving it to another spot, but don't want to stress it out more. Maybe take it out and do an iodine dip?

I'd say give it some time, it's probably just settling in. 4 months isn't that long for a brain coral to adjust to a new tank. I think it's looking alright, maybe even a bit healthier than before - it's just taking its time to get comfy.

I'd say let it be for a while and monitor. 50 nitrate is pretty high, if you ask me. I'd be doing regular water changes to get it back down, and I'd cut all coral feeding until nitrate levels are more in check. Also, what's your tank size and fish load, if you don't mind me asking?

I've been there with the nitrate issues, around 50ppm is when I started noticing problems with my corals. My own carelessness let nitrates spike over the summer, and I lost some SPS and LPS as a result. Since switching to a more aggressive water change schedule, I've seen a significant turnaround - everything's looking healthy and happy again, and calcification has clearly picked up.

I'd recommend tackling those nitrates with regular, large water changes - it's made a big difference for me, and I'm confident it can do the same for you.