so what's up with polyps??

[sillygoose]

I have the best color on all my sps that I've ever had. But no polyp extension now for weeks??? How can that be? What does it mean? I'm not really worried because after a period where everything looked kinda rough, most things are doing well, but what???? Geez.

 

[Triple One]

Do you know what your total alkalinity is right now? I would check that first. Sometimes SPS corals like the alkalinity to be towards the upper end of the "safe" zone (like around 10-12dKH. When my alkalinity gets low my acropora seals up), and it is definitely possible to have them under too much current (I have noticed my acropora likes to be just outside the blast cone of my Koralia 4 but not right in it). Could also be that they wish they had more calcium... These are my guesses (and granted, they are just guesses). I found an article about a small-sample experiment that might interest you:
http://www.reefs.org/library/aquarium_net/1298/1298_2.html
It matches my thoughts pretty well... Though I personally would never purposely push my carbonate hardness up to 16dKH, it is an interesting experiment.

 

[fishaholic911]

I have the best color on all my sps that I've ever had. But no polyp extension now for weeks??? How can that be? What does it mean? I'm not really worried because after a period where everything looked kinda rough, most things are doing well, but what???? Geez.

Do you have any hungry critters picking on them ? Sometime all it takes is a little nip or brush from a fish or crab to make the polyp's retract.

 

[sillygoose]

I don't think it is a case of critters. The polyps on all of my SPS are retracted all of the time. But their color is beautiful and they are growing - both branching and encrusting. Go figure. I guess I would just feel more secure if I saw them. Oh oh oh - I just realized that my bird of paradise is as fuzzy as ever. I can't believe I haven't thought of that before. Just another facet of the mystery. :idea:

 

[sillygoose]

btw - thanks for the link Triple One

 

[Triple One]

no problem at all. hope you figure out what's happening. how long have you been missing the polyps? i feel like if the coral are actually growing you probably don't have a problem. have you checked total alkalinity and calcium lately?

 

[aquaph8]

1) Pests, watch for Red bugs. They're very tiny but can be seen with the naked eye.

2) Nippers, any fish that are known to be nippers? Like pygmy angels.

3) High PO4 or NO3 can also cause a lack of polyp extentions.

4) Maybe there is nothing wrong, PE means your corals are looking for food. Most SPS corals in Reef tanks are starved and this is why you see a lot of PE in tanks. If your getting good color I would just keep an eye on them. All the negative stuff ^^^ is just something to watch out for. Good luck, hows the new tank coming?

 

[sillygoose]

As far as the new tank - GROAN. I thought our near crisis of the possibly compromised stand would get us moving. Now that it appears to be stable - knock on wood - gently - not on the aquarium stand - we are stalled again. I'm beginning to think it will never get set up. :sad2:

 

[aquaph8]

Dont worry, you'll get there. Let me know if you need anything.

 

[sillygoose]

thanks :wave: