Torch Coral Losing Polyps, Why?

[Gwynhidwy]

I have a torch coral (Euphyllia glabrescens) that has been in my 155G for about a year now. There is a group of sexy anemone shrimp living in the coral. About three months ago one of its polyps seemed to slowly "wilt" and then slough or fall off. All the heads remained open and I could not see any obvious signs of parasites or any other disease that I know of. Unfortunately now, several months later, it seems to be happening again on the same coral. The polyp still extends, though not fully. On one side it is starting to detach from the stony skeleton and peel away. I can't see any discoloration or spots, nothing moving, etc. Any ideas?

I have numerous other LPS, including other Euphyllia sp., some Clavularia and a few mushrooms. All other corals appear healthy and, knock on wood, unaffected. Other inhabitants: Kole tang, royal gramma, maroon clown, scarlet skunk cleaner shrimp, and snails. Water parameters:
SG: 1.025
Ammonia: 0.0
Nitrite: 0.0
Nitrate: 5
pH: 8.0
temp: 79F
Ca: 520 (I know its high, working on getting it down)
Alk: 5 (low, this is a recent problem)

 

[Lotus99]

I'm no expert, but I had a similar problem with my torch and polyp bailout. The only thing I can equate with your problem is that I was having problems keeping the alk up.

Perhaps someone else can confirm if this would cause it or not.

 

[Gwynhidwy]

Thanks very much for the reply. I'm working on that getting higher, and just having an actual balance to my minerals. Hopefully that will help. I'm still trying to figure out how my calcium got that high. I test every week and it went from 440 to 520 in one week and I only added the same things that I always add.