WMAS Discussion Forum : Rastas Not Doing So Well

Rastas Not Doing So Well : Ok so I think I have identified...

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 17:36:20 +0000

Author: Ann_A
Subject: 63324
Posted: March 31 2013 at 5:36pm

Ok so I think I have identified the problem to be the phosphates. Up until about two weeks ago I had phosphates at about 0.08-0.1 but I added a gfo reactor and have therefore had a drop in my phosphates. I think the problem is that I shocked the rastas and they are just adjusting to the new low-nutrient conditions.

Rastas Not Doing So Well : Also from the reading I have done...

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 12:22:58 +0000

Author: Studboyt
Subject: 63324
Posted: March 31 2013 at 12:22pm

Also from the reading I have done on dosing VC it seems a skimmer is a must have piece of the puzzle.

Rastas Not Doing So Well : I don't dose now...not really...

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 12:11:22 +0000

Author: ReefdUp
Subject: 63324
Posted: March 31 2013 at 12:11pm

I don't dose now...not really into zoanthids anymore. This is what I have saved in my notes...and I dosed 1/4 the recommended dosage (links are with the info...):

Used 1/4 of this:
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

For every 100 gallons:

5 ppm ----- 1892 mg VC
10 ppm ---- 3785 mg VC
15 ppm ---- 5677 mg VC
20 ppm ---- 7570 mg VC
25 ppm ---- 9462 mg VC
30 ppm ---- 11355 mg VC

Be sure your pH is around 8.2 & your alk is around 9-10, before you start. Keep an eye on both (I test weekly, now that I notice no changes).

Pasted from

The method to be followed in all cases is as follows:

Day 1 : concentration of 5 ppm

Day 2 : concentration of 15 ppm

Day 3 : concentration of 30 ppm

Day 4 : concentration of 50 ppm

After day 4, continue treating with a concentration of 50 ppm for 10 more days to 30 more days, depending on the severity of what you are treating for.

The total treatment period is thus 14-30 days but can last longer if need be.

In real severe cases you may need to treat for an additional 7 days or more

During this entire period you should not be using activated carbon

During this entire period you should not be using any chemical filtration media either (e.g. resins or pads, SuperChem and the like).

The skimmer needs to continue to be in operation.

Note that when you use these kind of Vitamin C concentrations it really is of utmost importance that you monitor you pH and ensure that it does not suddenly drop.

Check the pH before you add the C but check a few minutes later also. If the pH is too low add a complete buffer immediately to re-establish your alkalinity and increase the pH of the water in the tank. This is very important indeed.

It is important too, to realize that your dKH must be in the 9 to 10 range to minimize the amount of cloudiness that will develop. It the dKH is high (e.g. 12 or more) you will initially have a lot more cloudiness. This will gradually disappear though as you continue the treatment.

Pasted from

Sodium Ascorbate from iHerb: 1/4 tsp = 1.3 g

Edited by ReefdUp - March 31 2013 at 12:12pm

Rastas Not Doing So Well : ReefdUp wrote:I have a ton...

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 12:06:26 +0000

Author: Ann_A
Subject: 63324
Posted: March 31 2013 at 12:06pm

ReefdUp wrote:

I have a ton of SPS...never had an issue. I started with 1/4 dosage as recommended for my tank size. Most of the people I've seen with issues added too much too quickly. But, I understand your hesitation.

How much do you dose now? A full dose?

Rastas Not Doing So Well : I have a ton of SPS...never had...

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 12:05:02 +0000

Author: ReefdUp
Subject: 63324
Posted: March 31 2013 at 12:05pm

I have a ton of SPS...never had an issue. I started with 1/4 dosage as recommended for my tank size. Most of the people I've seen with issues added too much too quickly. But, I understand your hesitation.

Rastas Not Doing So Well : DMower wrote:No idea Anne....

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 11:11:59 +0000

Author: Ann_A
Subject: 63324
Posted: March 31 2013 at 11:11am

DMower wrote:

No idea Anne. Sorry. How are those frostbites looking today?

Frostbites are looking great. Thanks again!

I haven't dosed vitamin C because I've heard it can be dangerous to SPS and I have some really nice SPS that I'd rather not kill.

Rastas Not Doing So Well : Hey Ann. I have had similar issues...

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 10:51:35 +0000

Author: Jimbo
Subject: 63324
Posted: March 31 2013 at 10:51am

Hey Ann. I have had similar issues as you with my Rastas. Started with one small polyp I got from BillyC. They grew to about 4 polyps but they were still very small and not really great color so I moved them to higher light. They quickly shrunk away after moving and I thought I had lost them. Moved them back to lower light ( on the bottom and off to the side under 8x24 ATI )

They came back again and grew some but soon shrunk back down again for no apparent reason. They are in the comeback stage right now and I'm up to about 12 polyps and they are growing bigger and coloring up nicely. Hopefully they will stay this way this time. I keep very stable parameters as I have predominately SPS tank and all other corals are thriving.

The only conclusion I have made is they do not like to be moved. If they were doing well in a certain spot I would suggest leaving them there. Other than that I really have no other advice, but hopefully yours will recover as mine have, so far at least ; )

If its any consolation Rastas are known to be very picky....Billy seems to grow these guys pretty well maybe he'll pop in with better advice for you. Good luck

Rastas Not Doing So Well : 1973Ford wrote:I had the same...

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 10:50:19 +0000

Author: Studboyt
Subject: 63324
Posted: March 31 2013 at 10:50am

1973Ford wrote:

I had the same problem and aquatic dreams sold me a bottle of vitamin c and it works wonders.

How much and how often do you dose?

Rastas Not Doing So Well : I had the same problem and aquatic...

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 10:39:59 +0000

Author: 1973Ford
Subject: 63324
Posted: March 31 2013 at 10:39am

I had the same problem and aquatic dreams sold me a bottle of vitamin c and it works wonders.

Rastas Not Doing So Well : No idea Anne. Sorry. How are...

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 10:34:09 +0000

Author: DMower
Subject: 63324
Posted: March 31 2013 at 10:34am

No idea Anne. Sorry. How are those frostbites looking today?