problems with open brain

[nickyblase]

Hi all,

I have an open brain that's been in my tank close to a year. I target fed it some, but mostly let it get the meaty food I put in my tank.

Lately, (actually, for over a month now) it's not inflating nearly as much, and I can't get the feeder tentacles to come out to spot feed, even when really trying to entice it.

Does this mean that it's too far gone, or is there something I can do for it?

 

[Mish]

I'm tagg'n along. I have the same problem. I spot fed last night, and saw no tentacles, but it did open and consume food. I am going to feed every night to try and bring it back. I open for other ideas.

 

[nickyblase]

bump - anyone

 

[strayvoltage]

I have almost the same problem with a red and green open brain that has been in my tank for about a year now. It always had tentacles out after the white lights went out and fed very well. It still inflates and has great color ,but no feeder tentacles for about two months now.

 

[ryano]

I have had my open brain do the same thing before. Never for two months, but for a couple of weeks. It always comes back and starts feeding again.

 

[malintner]

I have three brains that I had to take back to my LFS to put through rehab in the magic hospital tank. I have had all of these brains for nearly one year and none of them had problems until I started slowly raising the tank temp. Make sure your tank temp is below 78 degrees and stays there.

 

[musty baby]

Not buying into the tank temp bit. My tank sat at around 84-86 for a couple months and I never had problems with my brains opening.

 

[atf72]

Just keep an eye on the coral. Mine has gone months without extending feeder tentacles. As long as there is no tissue loss or other obvious sign of distress, it should be fine.
Do make sure your water parameters stay within line.

 

[nickyblase]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8579614#post8579614 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by atf72
Just keep an eye on the coral. Mine has gone months without extending feeder tentacles. As long as there is no tissue loss or other obvious sign of distress, it should be fine.
Do make sure your water parameters stay within line.

Do you still target feed it? If so, does it actually take the food? Mine is now to the point where it really looks like it's starving. Water params are great.

 

[chrisstie]

As far as I know brains don't need to be fed (say, like sun polyps) to stay healthy and do well.

Have you been keeping your Ca in check along with other parameters too?

I haven't noticed feeder tentacles on mine but I notice when I add cyclopeeze or anything of that nature for my corals to nab some food from the water column the mouths perk up a little more and open as opposed to being slits.

He's inflated very well and seems to be growing since I've had him (not very long so far so by no means am i an expert! just trying to help!)

 

[atf72]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8580063#post8580063 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by nickyblase
Do you still target feed it? If so, does it actually take the food? Mine is now to the point where it really looks like it's starving. Water params are great.

Mine will not accept food unless its feeders are out. They can absorb nutrients from your water and process food from your light via zooxanthellae.

Post a pic and list your water parameters if you can. That will help troubleshoot the problem.

 

[nickyblase]

Okay, I'll take a pic tonight. My params are:

SG 1.024-1.025
Temp: 78-79
Amm/Nitrite 0
Nitrate: 5-10 ppm
Alk: 9
Calc 400

Lighting: 250W SE 14k
2x96W actinic
65G mixed reef

There's nothing in the vicinity that would be stinging it or causing it stress. It really seems to me that it's starving. Stay tuned - I'll post again tonight with a pic.