Tooth coral issue?

[navychief]

I have a emerald green tooth coral and have some concern.

For some reason, the polyp has shrunk and is not spilling over like it used to when I first bought it. It seemed perfect for about a month and now it has shrunk.

My pH is 8.6
ALk is normal
N02 and N03 is 0
Ammo is 0
SG is 1.024 @ 78 F

I located it under some LR a bit since I read that it likes lower light. It's also out of the way of the current flow of my power heads.

Any help is appreciated.

 

[MinibowMatt]

Your PH is quite high... should be 8.2-3.
Also, its very hard for Alk to be 'normal' in that high of PH.
What is the actual ALK and Ca? Now?

How long has it been like this, it doesnt appear to have happened over night. I would protect it from stings and too bright of light, try to keep it within STABLE conditions for a couple weeks. Moderate flow, and try to feed it whenever you think it may eat.

IMO, thats going to be a hard one to save, but not impossible. Looks like it was pretty though.

 

[navychief]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12867151#post12867151 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MinibowMatt
Your PH is quite high... should be 8.2-3.
Also, its very hard for Alk to be 'normal' in that high of PH.
What is the actual ALK and Ca? Now?

How long has it been like this, it doesnt appear to have happened over night. I would protect it from stings and too bright of light, try to keep it within STABLE conditions for a couple weeks. Moderate flow, and try to feed it whenever you think it may eat.

IMO, thats going to be a hard one to save, but not impossible. Looks like it was pretty though.

It's been like this for about 2.5 to 3 weeks. As far as the Alk, All I can say is that the test (red sea) kit card put s the Alk in the "normal" zone of the card of 1.7-2.8. Unfortunately, I have no way of measuring my Cal. I change 20 Gals out of my 72 Gal tank religiously every two weeks using Reef Crystal mix. I guess I'm naive in thinking that if I do this, my levels should be good to support my tank inhabitants.

I have a two part calcium buffer (b-ionic) standing by and a Kent Marine Superbuffer-dkh powder. Should I utilize these?

 

[MinibowMatt]

you need to measure these things daily during experiences like these. Definetly get a good set (Salifert, IMO) of ALK and Ca test kits and let us know.
Unfortunately we cant help much without knowing.
As for the other buffers, absolutely not, dont add anything until you know it needs it.
At the very least, grab API kits, as those will get you much closer

 

[navychief]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12871530#post12871530 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MinibowMatt
you need to measure these things daily during experiences like these. Definetly get a good set (Salifert, IMO) of ALK and Ca test kits and let us know.
Unfortunately we cant help much without knowing.
As for the other buffers, absolutely not, dont add anything until you know it needs it.
At the very least, grab API kits, as those will get you much closer

No disagreement with that logic. Who do you use to get your test kits? I normally do my shopping with Marine Depot. As far as the Alk is concerned, shouldn't the Red Sea get me in the ball park and wouldn't I use the Kent Superbuffer-dKH to get that pH to a bit lower level?

THanks

 

[navychief]

I'll see if I can find something at my LFS.