#1 by far is water quality. (high quality skimmer, ozone-low amounts or UV, CA Reactor or B-Ionic 1-2x daily, test, test, test)
Stable temp
Good lighting with VHO or T5 actinic in addition to your halides.
Good flow
Mike's definately on with Iodine.
I personally saw a bost when I added a calcium reactor.
A good food like Rod's or home made helps too.
Regular water changes of 30-50% monthly with RO/DI at or near 0ppm.
Use quality carbon for at least 3-5 days a month.
LUCK
Also, not to dog at all, but IME XM15kk's not the best bulb. If you want color look at Phoenix 14kk or Radium 20kk, or Reeflux 10kk on HQI balasts.
Todd
Last edited by TexasTodd; Mon, 7th Jan 2008 at 07:02 PM.
Killed my first coral in 1991, have tried to do better since. Always tricky.