Euphyllias not extending fully

[KirbyBTF]

Recently my Euphyllias haven't been extending fully. As for the cause, two things come to mind.
1) My temperature swings from 79-81 degrees daily
2) ALK/dKH/PH aren't up to par
-No tests for ALK/dKH right now, I have an old API PH test I need to dig out

Tank 7.5g Mr Aqua Bowfront
Two AZOO Pico HOB
1 Running standard pads, 1 running Carbon/Phosguard
My parameters:
Am/Ni/Na 0 API
Phos 0 Salifert
Calc 440
Salinity 1.026 refractometer calibrated hydrometer
I dose .38mL Iodine weekly
I stopped trace element dosing cause my Calcium jumped from 440-510 in a few days but thats a different story, calc has been stable at 440 for a few weeks.

Last night I added 1/3 TSP ALK/dKH/PH buffer to the tank, gonna test PH today to see what it comes up with. Im assuming that is my issue but I'd like to get some more input. Adding pics from my phone in a moment.

 

[KirbyBTF]

They used to be like this

They've been like this for a week or so. Not enough difference to sound the alarm, but something I'd like to address.

 

[MondoBongo]

when euphyllia aren't extending right my first thought is usually alk.

get a good alk test kit, as in NOT API, and take a look at that.

also, how often do you feed? some of my euphyllia very much appreciated a good feeding.

 

[KirbyBTF]

I feed twice a week with reef chili, and three times a week with mysis. Very rarely can i get them to grab onto a piece of mysis though.

 

[KirbyBTF]

All i have is api right now, and according to that my ph is about 7.6, so I'll be adding buffer every day and see if that helps. Pretty sure that's my problem though. This buffer raises alk as well.

 

[MondoBongo]

I would not rely on the api kit. I've had nothing but misleading results from them, especially if you're going to buffer. Accurate measurements are key to proper dosing.

 

[KirbyBTF]

I can't agree more with you. I'm using the api kit as a basis. I'm more relying on how my corals ate reacting. They're already looking better after two days of buffer. Once my test kit reads in the acceptable range and my corals are nice and extended I'll turn the buffer dosing into a weekly regiment for the required amount.

 

[nonstopfishies]

Change any flow in the tank??