Corals and numbers

[idan555]

Hello everyone,
I didn't make a water change for almost 2 weeks and i notice my Fox coral and torch corals are close.
all my numbers was good except:
calcium 340
phosphate 0.25
ammonia 0.25

*also I have diatom bloom for 3 weeks now, this is a new tank 3 months old.

First thing I did was 20% water change, and boost my calcium. the parameters are good now: calcium 400, ammonia 0. the only thing left is the phosphate at 0.25ppm. I also gravel the sand to make sure all is clean.
1 day after the corals still close and 10% open, not sure why...?
I never had this problem when I was doing weekly water change.
how can I fix it?
is additional water change will help reducing the phosphate?
is the diatom bloom causing it?
I'll go back to weekly water change but till than...
I use API test kit, I dont have a skimmer, and I replace my Fluval 406 carbon and phosphate media.

thank you,
Idan.

 

[mcgyvr]

There are numerous reasons why corals will close up..
Corals require stable water parameters in the recommended ranges..

Have you been measuring and maintaining a stable alkalinity? Thats very important when you have corals.. Same with calcium and mag and salinity and nitrates and phosphates.

When you want help here though don't just tell us your numbers are good... Tell us exactly what your numbers are and what you do test for..

Your phosphate level would typically indicate you are overfeeding too or a few other reasons.. So you might want to reduce feeding.

But it could be lighting, water flow, unstable parameters and other reasons..
Just get back on your normal water change routine..

Your phosphate media is clearly exhausted and needed to be changed already..

 

[Ron Reefman]

+1 to what mcgyvr said.

With a little luck your diatom bloom may be nearing an end. It should go away on it's own, just don't do any more corals until it's gone. I think you are rushing the process too much. Slow down and let your tank mature and stabilize more.