Can corals become permantly stunted after trauma?

[Mike in CT]

Hi, I added my first corals to my tank in the spring. A month or so after adding them my nitrates sky rocketed
and before I caught it, all my corals took a turn for the worse. I was able to keep 6 or so of the 12 corals in the
tank alive, but except for some pallys and a toad stool, they all seem to stunted. I was just wondering if it
was possible that no matter what I do, because of the trauma they went through, that they will never fully recover.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[Kawicivic]

Have you checked your phosphates? Usually if you have nitrates you may have elevated phosphates as well. Based on my readings, phosphates can inhibit calcification so the reason for your stunted growth may be your phosphates are too elevated. I have only started to address my phosphates over the past year or two and have noticed my growth rates skyrocket now that I monitor them. At the end of the day, I still have corals that appear stunted and its normally that you are not meeting some sort of requirement (light, flow, food, etc). If your tank has stabilized and your parameters are in check, consider moving the coral. Just realize that corals take time everytime you adjust them and just because they don't take off right away does not mean that they won't in the future.

 

[Mike in CT]

I will have to check my phosphates, I have been lazy with phosphates over the years because I had a fish
only tank, so I have to start paying more attention to it and how the corals are reacting towards it. I did just put
some chaeto in my sump, so hopefully that help me export phosphates and nitrates in the future.

Thanks for your reply!
Mike