Goniopora Help

[gspence2109]

Sometimes.

—I know it’s not the answer you want hear. lol

I run a “dirty” reef, which is a high nutrient reef. I do not use a skimmer or a filter. I do not dose or add anything to my reef. I use water changes weekly to import/export everything I need.

Every tank is going to be different but stability is the ultimate key. Your reef is still young and will need time to “settle in”.

Ok, I was doing weekly water changes but the Fish Store guy recommended keeping the levels a little more stable and going back to biweekly.

 

[gspence2109]

Agreed with above..

I thought my wife was the only one who got ticked when I buy something new for my hobby?

 

[Reeferdood]

Ok, I was doing weekly water changes but the Fish Store guy recommended keeping the levels a little more stable and going back to biweekly.

I change 10% once a month, I test biweekly and dose accordingly. Like stated above, stability is key....

 

[Fudsey]

Your ALk is low too 3.5 is very low but bring it up slowly

 

[WV Reefer]

Ok, I was doing weekly water changes but the Fish Store guy recommended keeping the levels a little more stable and going back to biweekly.

You’ll learn what is best for your reef as it grows. In the beginning I tested levels all the time during different times of day. Once I got a feel for the tank I never test anything and can usually tell if something is off just by looks alone.

 

[gspence2109]

Your ALk is low too 3.5 is very low but bring it up slowly

Ok so the Fish Store said the 3.5 was perfect... What should my alk be at?

 

[Reeferdood]

Your ALk is low too 3.5 is very low but bring it up slowly

I think he meant Meg/l which is ok

 

[Fudsey]

I think he meant Meg/l

Well I didn't think of that

 

[gspence2109]

I think he meant Meg/l which is ok

Yes that is what I meant. I just did'nt want to be all scientific... haha!

 

[Fudsey]

If it's meg/l then you're fine. If its dkH then it's very low

 

[PhreeByrd]

I agree with those suggesting the tank is too young/too clean, although I wouldn't say that you can't successfully keep the goniopora. It just wants a dirtier/more mature tank.

You can try target feeding. I'd suggest Reef Roids, ZoPlan, or something similar. If you have some amino acids like Polyp Labs' RF-Acids, that might stimulate a feeding response. If you try this and get no reaction from the goniopora, then I'd back off and wait a few days before trying again.

I have had transplanted goniopora close up as your photo shows for as long as 3 weeks before opening up again, so be patient. If you don't see tissue loss or color changes, it's probably just adjusting and needs time to feel comfortable. I've had other corals close up for a year (for no apparent reason) and survive and then thrive.

Please do keep us updated.

 

[gspence2109]

I have Reef Roids and I have tried target feeding. Yes it is a young tank. I up'd the flow and dosed a little bit for the low Alkalinity. Hopefully she opens up. I will definitely keep everyone updated on how this goes. The good thing is I saw Coraline Algae growing and I am really enjoying this hobby. Completely addicted!! Thank you everyone!!

 

[markstubb]

I have had the tank up and running for 3 months now so yes it is fairly new ( I am a Rookie Reefer). But I learn quickly! Any advice Reeferdood?
Phosphate level 0
Nitrate level under 20 ppm
Nitrite level 0
Calcium 440 ppm
Magnesium 1400ppm
Alkalinity 3.5

Surprised no one else mentioned this, but your alk is seriously 3.5? That's ridiculously low Get it up to around 7 over the next week.

IMO, it should open up pretty quickly. Being constantly retracted is no good. I have quite a few, one of which has great flow and is open all the way, all the time, except in early morning and early evening during light transitions. My alveopora act the same way too

 

[markstubb]

oops, just noticed the 2nd page. My bad.

I still think it should be opened up, at least a little. try moving it, but only move it once a week or so, if you move it often, it'll make things worse.

 

[PhreeByrd]

I would not advise moving it around, at least not for a while. Give it time to adjust, at least 2-3 weeks without disturbing it. Mine do best under relatively low light and medium, somewhat sheltered flow. If you do end up moving it, try moving it to a location with those conditions.

 

[PhreeByrd]

I just went back and looked again at your original photo of the goniopora, and I want to revise my prior suggestion. Goniopora prefer to be sitting on the sand bed, so eventually (if not now) you will want to move it. I would probably just go ahead and do that now and then give it at least a week before thinking about moving it again. Placing it on the sand bed also makes target feeding much easier. Cut the bottom off of a 1L soda bottle and when it's time to target feed, place that over the coral. Add your food through the top opening and watch its response. The polyps might only come out slightly at first, but that's ok. And seriously, it might take a month or more for it to 'feel comfortable' in its new environment.