Why are cyphastrea polyps not opening?

[subbedout]

I bought a golden cyphastrea coral from a reputable online seller two weeks ago. Since it arrived, its polyps have remained closed. I put it in a shaded spot in middle-ish part of tank, in an area with low-moderate flow. I've target-fed Coral Frenzy twice a week. Nothing has helped. All other corals seem to be thriving and staying open often.

My tank is 66 gallon plus sump. I have Chinese black box 165w LED that I run as follows: Blues 10am-10pm @ 45% and whites I run 1pm-7pm @ 25%.

Parameters over past two weeks have been as follows:
Ph: 7.8-8.0
Temp:76-78
Nitrate/Nitrite/Ammonia: 0
Phosphate: 0.25
Alk: 8.0-9.0
Calcium: 440-480
Salinity: 1.026-1.0275

First photo shows what seller showed coral looked like at their shop. Others are the coral in my tank.

Any ideas?

 

[heathlindner25]

Might be adjusting to the high phosphates ?

 

[subbedout]

Might be adjusting to the high phosphates ?

Is .25 high? It's the first level above zero on the test kit...Maybe I need to get a GFO reactor?

 

[Kremis]

mine doesnt extend when it is in too high light, but that doesnt seem to be the problem here

 

[subbedout]

Do they take weeks to acclimate to a new tank, especially after shipping cross-country?

 

[heathlindner25]

Is .25 high? It's the first level above zero on the test kit...Maybe I need to get a GFO reactor?

Once you detect po4 on a API kit , It's way too high .

 

[subbedout]

Once you detect po4 on a API kit , It's way too high .

Crap. Here I was thinking I was doing well because it was the faintest green on the chart. I'll look into a Hanna checker. [emoji383]

 

[heathlindner25]

I'm not saying that is the problem ,but it quite possibly could be.

 

[d2mini]

Besides possible parameter issues like high p04, try low light and low flow.
Mine likes the sand bed on the far end of the tank.

 

[subbedout]

Besides possible parameter issues like high p04, try low light and low flow.
Mine likes the sand bed on the far end of the tank.

I moved it to back corner of tank, where there's lower flow and less light. I'll give it a week or two there. Hopefully it won't starve in the meantime...

Thanks for everyone's reply!

 

[subbedout]

Tonight, after lights out and while using a flashlight, I noticed that this coral is covered in tiny white "string"...almost like tiny tentacles. Any ideas? Is it dying or beginning to open polyps?

 

[Newms118]

Once you detect po4 on a API kit , It's way too high .

I know Hanna meters work but omg do they suck to use. Why in the hell do they use a powder, in a packet, and you need to put it in the little glass vial with the tiniest mouth. Couldnt they come up with a freaking liquid reagent. Is there a better kit than stupid Hanna meters?

 

[subbedout]

I know Hanna meters work but omg do they suck to use. Why in the hell do they use a powder, in a packet, and you need to put it in the little glass vial with the tiniest mouth. Couldnt they come up with a freaking liquid reagent. Is there a better kit than stupid Hanna meters?

I borrowed a friends Hanna checker....phosphate reading was .43. I've since got a reactor and am running GFO and carbon...about 1/4 cup to 1/2, respectively. Corals seem ****ed at the moment (some carbon dust in DT) but learning as I go).