Candy Apple Reds not opening

[thecichlidpleco]

So I know it could be a million reasons, but the biggest head on this group opened once after acclimation and hasnt since. The rest seem fine, but the big guy just seems a little shy, whats up, any suggestions.
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[Dave VG]

Could take up to 2 weeks. I have found that the little heads always seem to open first why I do not know. If the big polyp does not open by then try moving it. Do not move them to often tho that will stress them even more. If the little heads continue to grow you could just leave it. What’s your water parameters. A little cyno going on there.

 

[thecichlidpleco]

yea, my eternal dilemma, phosphates at about 0.05 (running phosphate sponge through a filter sock) and the nitrates at somewhere between 2 and 5 (I hate seachem tests) with no noticeable nitrites.

 

[geoxman]

Low flow!!!!! new frags especially frags as SMALL as that need good broad flow! You should know better! JK Get them in higher flow and lower the phosphates or they will dull out, but I am sure you know that as well. good luck

 

[scolylover]

Yes i have zoas close up and dont open up until about 2 weeks after i get them. My worst one was the rasta it took 3 weeks. Goodluck with it!

 

[Mr. Microscope]

I had some Magicians closed for more than a month during a mini-cycle (D'oh!). I thought for sure they were goners, but after my tank stabilized out again they opened back up. They lost some color, but it's returning. Don't give up. Just get your tank under control. Also, some z's/p's are more sensitive than others. I've has some that opened up within moments of being in the tank, and others that took a couple weeks.

 

[thecichlidpleco]

Nope, I did nothing, flow was fine, thanks for the assumption that I had low flow for some reason, it opened back up on its own (I think it was just digesting some food), and its color was even brighter than when I first got it, actually looks like a true candy apple red.