bleaching acros

[at]

2 weeks ago the tips of several of my acros started bleaching and I did a water change and tested all parameters which were OK. 2 days later I noticed a snail shell was blocking one of my return pumps (mag 1 and it was barely flowing. Could this have caused the bleaching and should they recover?

[schminksbro]

Is there any way you could provide some pictures of what you are seeing? Typically tip damage is referred to as Alk Burn. Bleaching is typically uniform throughout the coral. In most cases a lack of flow would result in recession starting at the base. High Alk will cause tip burn which can recover but the issue must be corrected pretty quickly.
Pics and parameters would be very helpful.

2 weeks ago the tips of several of my acros started bleaching and I did a water change and tested all parameters which were OK. 2 days later I noticed a snail shell was blocking one of my return pumps (mag 1 and it was barely flowing. Could this have caused the bleaching and should they recover?

[Mike]

Agree with Schmink. Pics and parameter (Alk esp) needed

[at]

Ichecked params Alk was low 6-7 DKH cal.430 phos -0 nitrate 0. Attached are some pics not he greatest but hope they work.

[schminksbro]

That looks very much like alk burn. What are you testing your alk with and are you running probiotics?

[at]

API reef kit and no probiotics, I dont even know what probiotics are

[dejavu]

It defintily alk burn. The burn tips are a died give a way. I would slowly increase your alk. I prefer to keep mine around 9 dKh but 7 is ok, stability in more important.

[schminksbro]

I would also ditch the API kit and opt for something accurate such as Lamotte. With sps alk is critical and API alk kits vary widely in their accuracy.

[Manoj's Reef]

I would also ditch the API kit and opt for something accurate such as Lamotte. With sps alk is critical and API alk kits vary widely in their accuracy.

+1

I have found how imp alk can be in a hard way when i lost my tubs birdsnest colony to an alk swing. Since then I have taken measures to keep my alk as stable as possible.

[at]

I am buying a new test kit today. I didn't pay that much attention to alk. before but will now