Why is my candy cane coral not opening?

[fishforu]

Recently got a candy cane coral. Initially, the heads would fully open for the first hour when the lights turned on, then close. Now all the heads are closed. It was initially placed it in the middle of the tank and is now at the bottom. I don't see any fish nipping it.

However, a zoo I recently got is doing well, doubling the number of heads from 15 to 30+.

My lighting is 250 watts DE Phoenix 14K.

tank parameters are:

temp 79
salinity 1.025
nitrate no3 25 mg/L
PH 8 dKH
Calcium 400 ppm
KH 6.4 dKH
PO4 .03-.1

any ideas? thanks.

 

[absolutbill]

Your Nitrates at 25 Mg/l seems a bit high for corals to thrive. I would try to get them down and the canes should perk up!

 

[fambrough]

Also, these corals feed primarily at night. You should look for extention after lights out.