Washed out colors in my coral

[TonyB13]

I can't seem to get my colors, growth is great .I am pretty darn sure it's not my lights. Because I have the same coral at different depths and it doesn't make any difference, some coralsare ok but not great. I want to try and make my tank a little dirtier instead of adding a bunch of products what if I turn off my skimmer for a few hours a day would this work or when I turn it on it will strip everything out anyways?

Thanks 

[ReefdUp]

Are things too pastel? Too brown? Only certain colors showing? 

 

What are your parameters? Can you post a FTS?

[epleeds]

What are your levels. Nitrates and phosphates?

 

what lights are U using?  What program?

[TonyB13]

I know lights aren't the issue but I have ati 8 bulb with the lens. Nitates and phosphate s have been zero I finally got my nitrates to 1.7 today phosphate still zero I orderd neo phosphate. Colors on some brownish and I guess pastels o others best description is water down I bought a piece of blue Oregon tort and it was the brightest blue I have ever seen from Graham and now it's growing and still blue but not at all what it was

[TonyB13]

8 hours t5 2hrs ramp up 2hrs ramp down led blues 400 ca 9.4 alk

[ReefdUp]

Sounds like you know the answer. Nutrients are required for good coloration.

[TonyB13]

Yea I'm just afraid I'll screw something else in the process adding nitrates and phosphates don't sound right but m doing it I turned down my skimmer to owest setting

[ReefdUp]

Good - for this, it's good to be a bit worried. Go slow. Test at least twice a day until you feel comfortable. Get some bacteria in a bottle to help if treatment stalls.

[ReefAddict]

I had similar issues, also running t5s.  I ended up adding a few more fish and going from weekly water changes to every other week.  Nutrients were virtually undetectable.  I did dose Neophos and Neonitrate for a bit, but now just keep it on hand so I don’t bottom out.