Does good flow contribute to good polyp extension?

[Acrofiend]

I’ve had several tanks before with decent polyp extension but on this current tank I can’t seem to get it right. The corals are growing but I miss seeing the polyps flowing.
I’m only running two Nero 5 type pumps on my 24x24x18 cube. Should I try adding more flow?

 

[Falc!]

I have extreme polyp extension on my sticks and i do have TONZ of flow....i run 4 mp40s in my 4ft tank

 

[TopShelfAquatics Verified Sponsor]

Good random flow definitely contributes to good polyp extension, but if you are not seeing any at all it could be a few other things. How are the nutrients in your tank? Also do you have any fish or inverts that are possible polyp nippers?

 

[nuxx Verified Sponsor]

Should help, but I've had some hammers and torches just hate high flow...

 

[Acrofiend]

Good random flow definitely contributes to good polyp extension, but if you are not seeing any at all it could be a few other things. How are the nutrients in your tank? Also do you have any fish or inverts that are possible polyp nippers?

Thank you for the reply. I’m seeing the type of polyp extension where they’re just peaking their head out but never the extended anymore. I’m also running higher par around 450.
Nitrates: ~15
Phosphate: .07

 

[Acrofiend]

I have extreme polyp extension on my sticks and i do have TONZ of flow....i run 4 mp40s in my 4ft tank

I think this is my issue. The nicest tanks I’ve seen have acros in front of the power head. I just don’t know how they do it.

 

[TopShelfAquatics Verified Sponsor]

Thank you for the reply. I’m seeing the type of polyp extension where they’re just peaking their head out but never the extended anymore. I’m also running higher par around 450.
Nitrates: ~15
Phosphate: .07

Your nutrients seem right on point. I would definitely look in to adding another powerhead to get some more random flow going.

 

[ScottB]

I’ve had several tanks before with decent polyp extension but on this current tank I can’t seem to get it right. The corals are growing but I miss seeing the polyps flowing.
I’m only running two Nero 5 type pumps on my 24x24x18 cube. Should I try adding more flow?

I am not the King of PE to be honest, but then I like dwarf angels. So it is a trade off.

I kinda think 2 Nero 5s in a two foot cube is enough. I would make sure the flow is INDIRECT and as random in direction and intensity as possible.

Pick up a few Millie's. Not all tenuis throw a bunch of PE.

 

[Acrofiend]

I am not the King of PE to be honest, but then I like dwarf angels. So it is a trade off.

I kinda think 2 Nero 5s in a two foot cube is enough. I would make sure the flow is INDIRECT and as random in direction and intensity as possible.

Pick up a few Millie's. Not all tenuis throw a bunch of PE.

I have a couple millis and the polyp extension is good but the tenuis have none. Here’s some photos. When I purchased them they were extended!

 

[Miami Reef]

Millipora give me the best PE.

 

[Acrofiend]

I just don’t understand how to get it like this. But I guess I’ll just try to randomize the flow by adding another power head.

 

[zheka757]

Try amino acids!

 

[ScottB]

I have a couple millis and the polyp extension is good but the tenuis have none. Here’s some photos. When I purchased them they were extended!

Those are some nice pieces. Is that a Fruit Loops piece I spy there?

 

[Acrofiend]

Those are some nice pieces. Is that a Fruit Loops piece I spy there?

Thank you. The color’s are definitely not there as how they used to be.
That one is the tsa fruity pebbles! Looks better in person.

 

[ScottB]

Thank you. The color’s are definitely not there as how they used to be.
That one is the tsa fruity pebbles! Looks better in person.

Right. Fruity Pebbles. Brain farted on that one.

 

[biecacka]

I have very little polyp extension but my corals are growing fine and seem happy. I wish I had better PE, but I cannot complain about the growth…

corey

 

[ScottB]

I have very little polyp extension but my corals are growing fine and seem happy. I wish I had better PE, but I cannot complain about the growth…

corey

Same. Got pygmy angels?

 

[biecacka]

Nope. Just a Lamarck angel which is “reef safe”. I have no clue. But I will say as my frags get larger some have better PE.

corey

 

[Charlie’s Frags]

I am not the King of PE to be honest, but then I like dwarf angels. So it is a trade off.

I kinda think 2 Nero 5s in a two foot cube is enough. I would make sure the flow is INDIRECT and as random in direction and intensity as possible.

Pick up a few Millie's. Not all tenuis throw a bunch of PE.

All of my Tenuis throw crazy PE

 

[InvaderJim]

Millipora give me the best PE.

I need a name. That looks amazing.