Is my ricordea reaching or unhappy?

[Hellic]

Hey guys,

I got this ricordea a few days ago. I'm pretty new to the hobby but I know when I bought this ricordea it was fully open and flat like a half dollar coin. Since I've brought it home several days ago it has not opened up. I don't know if the coral is just reaching for more light? Or if it's still just shell shocked from the transfer. I did a 1ml/gallon peroxide dip with some coral rx for 10 minutes and rinsed it off in tank water before putting it in the tank. I started it in the sand bed a few days and moved it up to the rocks yesterday to see if it would show signs of opening but it has not yet. Any input would be great. It's hard for me to tell what my corals are saying as this is only my 2nd coral ever. Thanks yall.

Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate ~5ppm
Alk 9.5 dkh
Calcium 420
Magnesium 1275
SG 1.025

 

[G Santana]

It could just be it needs to acclimate, but your tank looks really new, that may also be a factor.

At this point it's a waiting game.
Good luck.

 

[Cantusaurus]

Yeah I would always wonder this when I first started with my ricordeas.
In my experience. Mushrooms throughout the day will kinda inflate/deflate depending on light/flow. They will do fine in whatever light (usually medium is best for ricordeas since they can handle more light then other mushrooms but low works too). Flow is a big thing. They can handle flow, and will flatten themselves out even in decent flow. My ricordeas will be more stretched/cupped in the morning, and be hit more by the flow, and when the lights come on they conform more to the rock they are on. As long as the texture/color stays the same they will be fine.
As long as you aren't giving them too high flow you should be good. Indirect flow where it isn't digging into them helps. But parameters could play a small role too. They are really hardy so I would not move them if possible unless you can see they just aren't happy.
Iodine could help. BUT you do not have much coral or anything so it might not be necessary (and if you do Iodine dose DO VERY LITTLE!! I have a lot of corals and I still go below the recommended dosage).
Sorry that I am not giving you exact answers, but I've researched a ton, and info is so random with different opinion.

The Ricordea does not look bad though right now. I wish you the best
Parameters look really good so keep up with that! Ricordeas are super hardy, and mine that shrunk a bit, and dealt with even 2.7 phosphates at one point....... still pulled through, and now it is more beautiful than ever!

 

[Glenner’sreef]

Ricordea are a favorite of mine!!! Totally agree with the posts before me. I’ll just shoot you a pic of mine and what yours will look like as your tank matures.

 

[Chrisv.]

This Ric doesn't look bad to me. Give it time. Mine typically take a few weeks before they really look great. Nice ric. Don't worry so much.

 

[elorablue]

Yup, looks totally fine to me. Nice piece.

 

[Explorer12]

Ricordea are a favorite of mine!!! Totally agree with the posts before me. I’ll just shoot you a pic of mine and what yours will look like as your tank matures.

I love Ricordia's too! How long have you had these? I've had mine for a year now but they haven't really grown this big yet. Any tips on how to get growth?

 

[Glenner’sreef]

I love Ricordia's too! How long have you had these? I've had mine for a year now but they haven't really grown this big yet. Any tips on how to get growth?

Really just leave them alone. They are slow growers/splitters. Plan ahead a bit while you’re waiting for them to multiply. Go out and buy 2/3/4 more. Place them close to each other. As far as growth, they filter feed. I broadcast feed my tank twice a day. I have 2 Sunburst Anthias and a Copperband Butterfly fish. Their diets demand multiple feedings per day. I do reef roids once a week as well.

 

[shadow_k]

It looks fine ! You will be tempted to touch it but don’t ! Haha it will improve I just picked one up today as well!

 

[Hellic]

Thanks for the replies! It sounds like it's doing fine so I appreciate the reassurance!

 

[Glenner’sreef]

I love Ricordia's too! How long have you had these? I've had mine for a year now but they haven't really grown this big yet. Any tips on how to get growth?

I want to say I’ve had them for 2 years.

 

[Hellic]

It looks fine ! You will be tempted to touch it but don’t ! Haha it will improve I just picked one up today as well!

Lol what happens when you touch it

 

[shadow_k]

Lol what happens when you touch it

It just makes it close up irritates it you gotta Leave it alone for a while then you can’t move it again