The glass peninsula measures six by four feet, with a depth of 30 inches. Quite high fish load, including a dozen Tangs, plus three Pyramid Butterflies, a Fox Face, Wrasse and Damsels. Tank is approaching 20 months in age, and 13 months with fish. Really increased the food in 2024 to reduce aggression from the dramatic growth by the Sohal Tang.By Christmas, phosphate was 1.5, climbing to 2.0 last winter through July. Seventy gallon weekly water changes, roller mat, skimming, ozone managed to control the phosphate at 2.0, LOL! pH, alkalinity, CA, Mg, carbonate, temps all within reef hobby parameters. Now measured with an electronic meter.
Added ANOTHER reactor, initially with GFO, to slowly drop Phosphate. Levels have been in the 0.25 - 0.35 range the past six weeks or so.
Result: Simple - marked new growth to the SPS (green slimer, blue Oregon tort, green anacropora, red digi), and improved coloration. The calcareous algae had entirely disappeared last year, and now is growing again. Looks like the hammer coral also has more color?
Red Digi: broader tips on the branches, and color to the growth tips (turned green and yellow versus former white) - this stuff grows like kudzu.
Green Slimer: growth tips have many new & slender branches (slow grower in this tank)
Blue Tort: nest of new growth points on the tips of many branches
Encrusting mdntipora: the carpet of tiny polyps now exhibit contrasting color from the base of the colonies; margins of colonies now have contrasting color and new topographic thickness.
Anacropora: growth points have widened into the appearance of cauliflower; brighter green colors
Cal algae: now many small growth points all over the back wall and rock (yeah), purple.
I've added a few photos. iPhone, no orange filter
