sick and dying corals

[Kurt_Nelson]

I was scratching my head too... wondering where that 50% number came from. Your water change schedule is just fine, and isn't the problem.

I'm also going with iodine OD - the gradual accumulation of it will cause the gradual demise of the corals. I'm guessing that there's iodine in the kent essential elements, so with the addition of the iodine to that, you're doubling up on something that in most tanks doesn't even need to be dosed. Water changes will take care of it. Here's a good article on iodine...

Chemistry and the Aquarium

I assume you're adding calcium because your levels are low? (Again... the don't add it if you don't test for it thingie.) If they are, then I'd suggest using a 2-part alkalinity/calcium solution. The formulation of the solution is such that both parts are used equally by the growing corals and you don't end up with a alk/cal imbalance from just using calcium alone. Low alkalinity from high calcium levels can also mess with your pH, but using a balanced 2-part mix (like C-balance, B-Ionic, etc) will keep your alkalinity where it should be and possibly keep your pH more stable. Of course... that assumes you actually need to dose for calcium.

[fishman_91]

I have only added the calcium maybe twice in the last two months. I do test for it, so i only add it when it is needed. I have begun doing more frequent water changes, and i quit adding anything, including calcium. (The level has not gotten low enough to add). I am still having a problem with my PH though. When it gets low, i add a PH buffer. Is this an o.k. practice, or what should i do to stabalize it instead of supplementation? I use Seachem brand buffer that sets PH to 8.3. Could this be adding to my problem? It says its safe for everything in the tank in any doseage amount, but i am still skeptical.

[fishman_91]

Originally Posted by Kurt_Nelson

I assume you're adding calcium because your levels are low? (Again... the don't add it if you don't test for it thingie.) If they are, then I'd suggest using a 2-part alkalinity/calcium solution. The formulation of the solution is such that both parts are used equally by the growing corals and you don't end up with a alk/cal imbalance from just using calcium alone. Low alkalinity from high calcium levels can also mess with your pH, but using a balanced 2-part mix (like C-balance, B-Ionic, etc) will keep your alkalinity where it should be and possibly keep your pH more stable. Of course... that assumes you actually need to dose for calcium.

Which specific brand/type of 2-part calcium/alkalinity solution that you mentioned would you reccomend for me to use?

[Kurt_Nelson]

I wouldn't think twice about using C-Balance (Two Little Fishies brand), B-Ionic (ESV), or whatever Warner Marine's version is called. I think they're all pretty much the same. Personally, I use C-Balance, but only because that's what's easiest for me to get in bulk. If you want to make your own, there's always bulkreefsupply.com where you can buy their DIY kits.