does pe equate to good health

[natas]

This is more of a open ended question that I am curious about. Would love to hear people's opinion.

I ask this because I used to always use pe as a sign of good health, but personally have learned that this is not always true. In the past if I had frags growing but have little pe I would often worry and take measures (ex. Move the coral). This has bit me a few times and caused losses.

Tonight I had to talk myself down and not worry. I have a ORA Mind trick monti that's been in the tank for three months. It has been growing well. Two days ago I noticed that it had the best pe I have seen since I got it...really extending out for a monti. Today it had zero pe. Why? I have no clue. All other corals are doing great.

Sometimes I believe corals just show no pe one day and on other days have great pe.

Does anyone else in here stress about pe? I find myself caring more about stn/rtn

 

[jda]

Yes and no. Even for healthy corals, PE might not be out if you have many fish in the tank - especially large/small angels, tangs, blennies, gobies or butterflies. However, no PE can mean that you have pests.

I would look to other signs for health like color and growth. Also, actively look for pests.

 

[natas]

All great points Jda.