GSP and toadstool retraced

[nickp9054]

I have a 30 gallon setup. New tank, abt 5 months old. All of the sudden about three days ago I notice my GSP is only half open. Also my toadstool has been retracted. I’ve seen the toadstool retract before for like a day, but never for this long. I dose Red Sea AB+ and I feed with reef roids occasionally. Here are the pictures
Note that this is with white light so you can see them. Here are my water parameters using Red Sea test kit
Ammonia and nitrite:0
Nitrate:40ppm I know that’s high but it’s been that way the whole time
Alk:7.5
Ph:8.2
Mag: 1320
Calc: 400
Phos: .25 (def a little high, is that what it is?)

I will do a water change, but is there anything else I should do?

 

[TheDuude]

How often do you test ALK? Any swings? how is the salinity?

 

[nickp9054]

I test weekly. All was abt 7.75 before, went to 7.5, and salinity stable at abt 1.026 or 35 ppt

 

[TheDuude]

hmm i doubt a alk swing that small would effect GSP or a toadstool. Are you using a refractometer and is it calibrated?

FWIW my neon green toadstool closes up for sometimes as long as 4 or 5 days at a time.

 

[Jekyl]

How's the flow an lights? I have high nutrients in my tank and the gsp and leathers grown like crazy

 

[Jekyl]

Could also start dosing alk to bring it up a little. Dont think that's your issue though

 

[nickp9054]

I’m using a nicrew led system with 460 and 420 nanometer blues I think, not sure though, could check. Also they’re both in low- moderate flow, which hasn’t changed at all. I’m using a refractometer that isn’t temperature sensitive and it is calibrated with solution

 

[nickp9054]

Do you think a water change will do the trick?

 

[Jekyl]

With NO3 and phosphate levels elevated a water change won't hurt.

 

[sfin52]

Your numbers are ok might want to get all up to 8 give a little more wiggle room.
Make sure they both are getting moderate flow and light

 

[sfin52]

I’m using a nicrew led system with 460 and 420 nanometer blues I think, not sure though, could check. Also they’re both in low- moderate flow, which hasn’t changed at all. I’m using a refractometer that isn’t temperature sensitive and it is calibrated with solution

Increase the flow

 

[NeonRabbit221B]

Its likely no a parameters thing but getting nutrients down to about half of what you have is a good idea.

I blast my toads with very high flow as it helps remove detritus and peeling. My return jets on a pump rated for 40x tank volume is blasting it in the face and it doubles in size yearly. GSP slightly less direct flow. Lighting doesnt seem to impact them in my tanks