Hammer Splitting or Dying?

[MikeO5422]

My hammer has been looking off for a few weeks. Its been dull and not quite open. I am learning dosing and I know my params are/have been off. My calcium and magnesium specifically are high (480 and 1600 respectively). I have an ICP on the way. All other params are normal. Alk 8, temp 78, s.g. 1.025, ammonia nitrates phosphates all 0.

First off, to me this picture looks like the head is finishing up splitting....but just confirming. Thoughts?

Second, not sure if the calcium and magnesium are bothering the hammer or if its something else. I have a duncan that is acting the same way. All other corals (acros and other LPS like torches included ) look excellent.

 

[Travis Stewart]

Is this picture what you referring to as not looking as good? Because to me it looks fine.

 

[Zack K]

nitrates phosphates all 0.

I found your problem.

Euphyillia has a little different requirements not only in and amongst the family, but from other LPS. They love and thrive in nutrient dense water. The Hobby recommended Levels are Nitrates of 5-15ppm and Phosphates of .1-.25ppm. Hammer I have found are more picky to nutrients than other Euphyillia. Your torch will likely be next followed by Acans.
Take this as you may, this is just my findings over the last 10 years.

Nitrates and Phosphates are food to our corals. Without them you are essentials starving them. Yes they use photosynthesis, but they also need other forms of food.

Also, Nice tank! Looks like I have another tank to read up on!

-Zack.

 

[MikeO5422]

Would feeding the coral meet its nitrate and phosphate requirements? Now that I think of it, I used to feed it twice a week at least. The past few weeks its been maybe once a week, maybe....

It does look off in that picture...its just generally less colorful, less extended, and deflated looking. Here is a comparison

 

[MikeO5422]

 

[Flippers4pups]

They do better with at least 5ppm of N03 and a trace of P04, as stated by @Zack Klabunde .
Feeding isn't really needed but can help in your case.

Yours is finishing splitting.

 

[Travis Stewart]

Would feeding the coral meet its nitrate and phosphate requirements? Now that I think of it, I used to feed it twice a week at least. The past few weeks its been maybe once a week, maybe....

It does look off in that picture...its just generally less colorful, less extended, and deflated looking. Here is a comparison

Feeding the tank in general (fish or broadcast feeding) will raise both in your water column. The PO4 and NO3 in water column is what they mean when they say feeding the coral. Hope this helps a little.