Sorry you are having a rough time. Sometimes parameters change suddenly and we do not catch the change, but the corals sure do. Good luck finding the issue and fixing it.
Duncan help
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IslandLifeReef
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My guess would also be nutrients. Like @C-Reefer said, feed it an amino supplement. I also use Reef Energy along with Reef Roids and a frozen coral food. My Duncan loves it. If there is a disease, it could be caused by starvation, weakening the coral and making it more susceptible. Start slow so that you don't cause any more problems.
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My duncans are at mid-tank, growing like weeds and the heads are half dollar sized. I do feed twice a week I moderate flow ( they hate high flow) and moderate lighting (not too bright). Anyone that comes to my home- Duncans are generally a favorite.
welsher7
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Looking at the rock it looks like your tank is pretty new. How long has your tank been setup? What are you using for lighting? What are you using for flow in your tank? I can only see a couple small powerheads on the back wall.
DangerDave
Valuable Member
I have a few hundred heads of Duncan’s, sometimes some of them just close for a week. I can’t explain it, just happens.
PhreeByrd
Active Member
A lot of jumping to conclusions in the responses. I would also like to know the age of this tank. Duncans always do better in a more mature system.
That said, I do not see any dead heads on the OP's coral. Closed does not equal dead. As long as there is still flesh and color, it is alive.
Duncans can also survive for many months with closed polyps. I have personally had Duncans stay closed for nearly a year, then suddenly open and thrive. They are extremely hardy corals.
Low to medium flow, lower light and some available nutrients in the water. You cannot feed them when their polyps are not open, and I wouldn't bother trying.
That said, I do not see any dead heads on the OP's coral. Closed does not equal dead. As long as there is still flesh and color, it is alive.
Duncans can also survive for many months with closed polyps. I have personally had Duncans stay closed for nearly a year, then suddenly open and thrive. They are extremely hardy corals.
Low to medium flow, lower light and some available nutrients in the water. You cannot feed them when their polyps are not open, and I wouldn't bother trying.
IslandLifeReef
Valuable Member
well this is the duncan now. I think it’s a goner. Now I am noticing that 2 acans are starting to show skeleton. Just dipped them in lugols and will spot feed when they open up.
Have you tried dosing amino's yet?
IslandLifeReef
Valuable Member
Yes, I use RedSea Reef Energy. My nitrates seem to stay at less than 1 ppm and my phosphates stay between 0.01 and 0.03 ppm. At those levels, my tank has seemed to benefit from the Reef Energy.
Here's a current FTS and Duncan pic.
uhgster1
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OP
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mich2599
Valuable Member
These are my duncans in my 28 gallon. I feed them often and use fuel. They were closed up until I figured out that my nutrients were too low. They’re my indicator corals and always react first when my parameters are out of whack. They ALWAYS close up if my alkalinity swings or my nitrates are too low. They also like variable flow. My wave makers create constant and slack conditions throughout the day. They eat at least three times a week, mysis and reef chile. Hope this helps.
The growth is amazing.
