Hammer coral shriveling up

[Neros503]

I got a hammer coral a couple weeks ago and it was doing fine where I out it, but recently it started shriveling up and not looking so great. I'm using api test kit so the parameters I know are limited:

ph 8.4
nitrate <5ppm
nitrite 0ppm
ammonia 0ppm
sg 1.026

the tanks a biocube 29 and I'm running a kessil a160we for lighting.

 

[Guy714]

You may want to check phosphate as well.

 

[Jekyl]

And alkalinity

 

[Neros503]

You may want to check phosphate as well.

Don't currently have my phos test kit yet Is there a test kit you recommend? I'm still rather new to the hobby

 

[Jekyl]

I'd guess alkalinity is off. Lighting, blowing sand are suspect too.

 

[Neros503]

I'm just confused cause the hammer I've had longer in this tank is doing fine, as well as all my other corals.

 

[Guy714]

I know it’s a little pricey but it worth it in the long run.

Hanna Phosphate Ultra Low Range PPM Colorimeter HI774​

 

[Jekyl]

More details changes things lol. Have the other one in the same position?

 

[Neros503]

More details changes things lol. Have the other one in the same position?

No. The other hammer is higher up. It wasn't looking to good a couple days ago, but it seems fine now.

 

[Neros503]

I'll try moving the hammer higher on the scape for now so it can get more light, as well as doing a water change.

 

[Jekyl]

I would get your phosphate and alkalinity checked out. Other than that maybe raise your nitrate a little. My frogspawn like nitrates between 10 and 20.

Edit: also a decent amount of flow just not directly blasting.

 

[vetteguy53081]

It is likely a water issue and generally the one thing that upsets them is Phosphates and nitrates too low. Warm temperatures are also an issue if too warm.
They do best at lower third of the tank under moderate light and water flow.
Temp 77-79
ph 8.1-8.3
salinity 1.025
nitrate < .4
phos < .04
Ammonia < .03
mG 1300
Alk 8-9
CA 440

These are some of mine:

 

[Jekyl]

It is likely a water issue and generally the one thing that upsets them is Phosphates and nitrates too low. Warm temperatures are also an issue if too warm.
They do best at lower third of the tank under moderate light and water flow.
Temp 77-79
ph 8.1-8.3
salinity 1.025
nitrate < .4
phos < .04
Ammonia < .03
mG 1300
Alk 8-9
CA 440

These are some of mine:

I want to go snorkeling in that monster tank of yours.

 

[Neros503]

I think i found the problem... does anyone know how to remove hydroids? I didn't think anything of them at first, but I was just researching... and I recently started dosing phytoplankton and making everything worse. help.