Suggestions for my torch and hammer, what to do?

[dcrowley3]

I am having trouble with getting my torch and hammer to open up and it seems algae is growing on branches. I recently had a very high spike in alk (my fault up 21 dKH). That has been corrected and all params are good and I am back on 2 part dosing.

Could the algae growth cause issues?
Do they look sick?

They seem to be somewhat open when I get up in the morning and before lights come on.

Should I try to clean algae off?

I have very little algae anywhere else.

70 gal tank

Nitrite, ammonium, nitrate, phosphate all at 0. PH = 8.1, salinity= 1.025, temp 79.5,

Ca=420
Alk=9.8
Mg=1320

Any suggestions appreciated. Thanks

 

[rt67ghy]

They don't look sick just unhappy. You cold scrub the algae off with an old toothbrush. what are you testing your nitrates and phosphates with. With that much HA I doubt your NO3 and PO4 are zero. You may want to get a second opinion on those 2 tests.

The corals could be unhappy because of the massive alk spike. I'd watch them carefully because they may end up with BJD from the stress if they don't open soon.

 

[dcrowley3]

Just tested again and both read a solid 0. No color changes.

I am using API test kit for nitrate and salifert for PO4. When I test I get absolutely no change on PO4, it perfectly clear water after performing test and on the nitrate it does not change from yellow.

Will the algae on them affect or hurt them?

I have definitely been watching for BJD and have not seen any. Maybe just need time.

 

[rt67ghy]

The algae growth is as dense as it gets and could continue to grow until it enters the skeleton. That would irritate the coral preventing it from extending and prevent further growth so, yes, it could harm them.

 

[Reef Bass]

Also, as hair algae grows up around a coral, flow slows, which can lead to essentially the suffocation of the coral.