I want polyp extension!!

[Griff500]

Nitrates are less than 5 and Phos. is .25ppm

That's not what I would consider to be low phosphate and I would look at getting that down quite a bit.

If you have low nutrient levels, which I don't particularly think yours are, then I would want lower alkalinity.

If I were you I would be gradually letting alkalinity drop while getting phosphate levels down.

 

[josephxsxn]

On my small tanks aggressive 50% water changes weekly tends to get all the corals hot and bothered. The tank parameters match my fresh salt water so it's not a big deal to swap out alot.

 

[Daddi0]

parasites will impact polyp extension, and dipping once will not kill eggs, with 200 corals its hard to rule that out unless you quarantined, you could always combine all your acros, montis etc in separate tanks and dip for 6-8 weeks, then you can rule out parasites causing your issue. The livestock you have will help keep them in check but not totally eliminate them.

You're right, I will continue to check for parasites. The corals are all healthy and look good, just no polyp extension.

 

[Daddi0]

That's not what I would consider to be low phosphate and I would look at getting that down quite a bit.

If you have low nutrient levels, which I don't particularly think yours are, then I would want lower alkalinity.

If I were you I would be gradually letting alkalinity drop while getting phosphate levels down.

I think you are right on the phosphate reduction. I am going to stop feeding the daily Coral Frenzy and continue with just the Red Sea Energy A&B. As for Alk. , my target is 10 -11dkh
Cheers! Mark

 

[Daddi0]

On my small tanks aggressive 50% water changes weekly tends to get all the corals hot and bothered. The tank parameters match my fresh salt water so it's not a big deal to swap out alot.

I can't do 90 gallons a week :crazy1:

 

[josephxsxn]

I can't do 90 gallons a week :crazy1:

Sure maybe not, but I assume you do change water weekly then? :rollface:

 

[Daddi0]

Sure maybe not, but I assume you do change water weekly then? :rollface:

Yes, I do about 5% per week.

 

[Daddi0]

As I was doing research on this, I kept coming across threads about Zeovit Flatworm Stop. It works by inducing corals to create a good slime coat and although the jury is still out as to whether it actually works on flatworms (which I dont have anyway) everybody seems to agree that they get really good polyp extension, color, and vigor when they used it. I ordered a bottle and will run a little test.
Cheers! Mark

 

[rvareef]

As I was doing research on this, I kept coming across threads about Zeovit Flatworm Stop. It works by inducing corals to create a good slime coat and although the jury is still out as to whether it actually works on flatworms (which I dont have anyway) everybody seems to agree that they get really good polyp extension, color, and vigor when they used it. I ordered a bottle and will run a little test.
Cheers! Mark

fws will not totally eliminate them and is somewhat expensive, it might improve the slime coat and pe but you will still have the parasite, and for you to rule out having fw from not quarantining and only dipping 2/200 isn't assuring.

 

[Daddi0]

fws will not totally eliminate them and is somewhat expensive, it might improve the slime coat and pe but you will still have the parasite, and for you to rule out having fw from not quarantining and only dipping 2/200 isn't assuring.

I guess depending on reef size, Zeovit could be expensive. I ordered a bottle for $50 that will last me 2 months so not that bad. I will dose and continue to check corals for any pests. There are corals other than my acros that dont really have any polyp extension.
Cheers! Mark

 

[LobsterOfJustice]

What fish do you have?


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[Daddi0]

What fish do you have?


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2 tanks each having different varieties - all reef safe

 

[LobsterOfJustice]

Well, it sounds like that's an option you don't really want to consider - but I think it's significant. Just because you never see them nip doesn't mean they aren't causing retracted polyps. Think about how in a refugium pods will run around all over the place even in the daylight, but won't do it in a tank with fish. The fish keep the pods hidden, even though you don't see your fish hunting pods. Same scenario with PE. The polyps aren't out because they will get nipped, but you don't see them getting nipped because they aren't out.


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[Daddi0]

One reef has a yellow tang, pajama cardinals, blenny, and springer damsels, and jester gobies