Acropora Loripes problem?

[Ralph ATL]

I have a monti that is growing pretty good. Various acro frags that were put in tank 2 months ago seem good. 2 months ago, I put in a wild 6 inch Acropora Loripes (according to Dr. Foster & Smith's) that was purple, pink, & blue. The color has lightened up some, and it is mostly pink champagne with some blue tinge. However, it has zero polyp extension (day & night), and it has not grown (as far as I can tell) one millimeter! I was having trouble with my light fixture for about 3-4 weeks in that time (a little dimmer than it should have been), but that has been replaced 2 weeks ago with new bulbs and all. I feed DT's oyster eggs every third night. Is is ok? Shouldn't it be growing some by now?

I have a couple of good magnifying glasses, and I cannot see any redbugs. There are no bites either! (as far as I can tell!) Can corals grow with nitrates & phosphate so low 24-7?


please see below for other info on lights, skimmer, etc.

perimeters:
ALL are rock solid:

2 part C-balance w/ doser:
Alk: 9.0 or 3.20
Calcium: 450
Salt: 1.026
PH: 8.2
trates: 0 (salifert)
Phos: .008 (Merk)
Mag: 1250
Temp: 79-80

Sincerely,
Ralph
Hobby Experience: 08-23-2005
Current Tanks: 55 gallon Reef, AGA mega-flow II sump, ASM G-2 Skimmer, 2 x 150 HQI & LEDs, fuge, 65 #LR, reactor w/ ROWA, Tunze 6060, Seio 820, Various SPS, 1 Pagoda, 2 Clowns, 3 Chomis, 2 pipefish, Gramma, Tailbot, & YwTg.



August 23, 2006
Order Number: A2506623

 

[DFS]

Ralph,
Acropora lorpies are a beautiful coral that is most commonly found on the upper reef slopes of Fiji. This species normally has very thick walls with long tubular axial corallites and radial corallites on only one side. It is common for these “smooth” looking Acropora spp. to not exhibit polyp extension during the day. Due to their structure this coral will never look bushy or shaggy in regards to polyp extension like some other species of Acropora with very tight radial corallites. Loripes require a well-established aquarium with very stable water chemistry in order to thrive. No swings in Alkalinity, temperature, or elevations in nutrient levels are the key to success with this species. Strong intermittent water flow along with intense lighting is also needed in order to maintain the health of this species. Wild colonies of Acropora will take much longer to settle into the aquarium, and often times will take several months before they have adapted to their new environment and start to grow. Your feeding regiment is fine for your SPS corals, and it looks as thought your water chemistry is spot on. As long as the coral is maintained in stable water conditions (especially Alkalinity) and is receiving proper flow and light, it should settle in well, and start to grow.
Sincerely,
Kevin Kohen
Director of LiveAquaria
Drs. Foster & Smith

 

[Ralph ATL]

Thanks!

 

[prance1520]

Just a quick add, from what I've seen, he's right about the wild colony. It should come around, just have to give it a bit more time. Also, from what I've seen, lorpies isn't as fast of a grower as say, a yongi. So if its getting left in the dust by corals like that, don't feel like its not healthy. Good luck!

 

[Ralph ATL]

Thanks! no change from 2 weeks ago!

 

[dfs/la2]

Mysterybox,

Thank you for your post. As stated, the full acclimation period could take a few more weeks. We would be happy to extend your warranty period for an additional 2 weeks. Please contact us to give us an update on the Acropora lorpies. At the end of the additional 2 weeks, if you still have concerns please give us your order information and we would be happy to resolve any issues.

Thank you.

Michelle H.
Drs. Foster and Smith, Inc.
Live Aquaria