Oops- this was supposed to be from my account:
I'm coming in late to the conversation, but I thought I'd add my two cents.
You're definitely not supplying too much light. I used to run 2x1000w lights, and now run 4x400w, with 600-700+ PAR on some corals, including pink birdsnest which is just an inch or two from the surface. And that pink birdsnest is very bright pink.
I know some people have luck with T5's, but I never have. My wife's tank has 16 T5's over it. Same corals and same water, but the same coral moved from my tank looks brown. You can point me to dozens examples of nice tanks with T5's, but they're not for me - I just don't think they're the same. Despite the science behind it, I think there's more than just PAR going on. What that is, I have no idea.
I think the issue is one of several things (or a combination thereof):
- as others said, possible low salinity, although I'd be surprised
- high nutrients. Add GFO and/or carbon. Look to BRS and get some catridges with both.
- "New tank syndrome" - your tank looks fairly new for the types of corals you're trying to grow. How long has it been established? The best indicator for SPS's I've heard of is to wait until you see dime-sized growths of coraline algae on the back glass, and THEN start adding SPS's
- not enough light
- not enough general flow, or too much directed flow. You want the polyps to flow in the current, but not be stripping the flesh from the skeleton.
- Bad RO water. I went through this myself for a couple months- tried everything, and my water tested at 0 TDS, but the tank didn't perk up until I replaced the RO/DI catridges
I realize it's frustrating. Keep trying and you'd find the culprit.
