Need a help with Unhappy torch coral!

[Chandlertank108]

I have had this torch for about 2 months. Always been happy looking, fluffy and big. Yesterday I noticed that it wasn’t fully opened and fluffy like it used to be. I ran tests on the water and all parameters stable.
alk 8.3
Cal 450
mag 1290
Po4 0.3
No3 0
ph 8
I Really don’t know what happen and what to do. I have 2 other torches in the tank that been look the great. Only this particular one that look unhappy.
Is there it possibly of splitting? That why it look unhappy. I been thinking to dip it but I want to see some advice first before I do it just because it might make it more unhappy. Thank you

 

[0utworld]

Something similar happened to my dragon soul once and I believe it was due to a small alkalinity swing. If you don't see visible tissue recession or pests, don't dip it as it will stress it more. My torch started opening once I stablilized my alkalinity. Give it a few days.

 

[Uncle99]

Nitrate to low at 0. Should be 2-10ppm.
Phosphate high at .3 ppm. Should be 0.05-.15 ppm

 

[ReefLab]

If you're using the Hannah low range (not ultra low range) checker, I would assume your PO4 is actually zero, given the accuracy of that checker. Feed heavier, reduce light time on refugium, skim drier to raise NO3 and PO4.
If that doesn't help, you could try dosing.

 

[Chandlertank108]

Nitrate to low at 0. Should be 2-10ppm.
Phosphate high at .3 ppm. Should be 0.05-.15 ppm

Sorry typo it’s actually 0.03

 

[JCTReefer]

My 21 tales torch did the same thing. Looks very similar to the dragon soul. I actually can’t tell a difference. My issue was my nitrates bottomed out. And phosphate was at .03ppm, which could actually be .015 ppm to .046ppm with the Hanna ULR accuracy of ±5 ppb. After I raised my nitrates and phosphates, it slowly went back to normal. I would try maybe upping your No3 and Po4 a bit.

 

[Chandlertank108]

If you're using the Hannah low range (not ultra low range) checker, I would assume your PO4 is actually zero, given the accuracy of that checker. Feed heavier, reduce light time on refugium, skim drier to raise NO3 and PO4.
If that doesn't help, you could try dosing.

Yes, I am using Hanna low range at reading at 0.03 the most at 0.06 sometimes after I fed reef roid. I was guessing that as well. Do you think turning off will help raising my No3 and Po4?

 

[Chandlertank108]

Something similar happened to my dragon soul once and I believe it was due to a small alkalinity swing. If you don't see visible tissue recession or pests, don't dip it as it will stress it more. My torch started opening once I stablilized my alkalinity. Give it a few days.

My alk been really consistent at 8.3 the most will around 9.

 

[ReefLab]

Yes, I am using Hanna low range at reading at 0.03 the most at 0.06 sometimes after I fed reef roid. I was guessing that as well. Do you think turning off will help raising my No3 and Po4?

Im assuming you meant to say turning off your skimmer? I wouldn't turn it off as it helps to aerate the water, but open up the valve so it doesn't collect much.

 

[jerrod]

Have you performed any water changes recently? I did a water change with the salinity off and mine reacted like that for a few days once.

 

[Chandlertank108]

My 21 tales torch did the same thing. Looks very similar to the dragon soul. I actually can’t tell a difference. My issue was my nitrates bottomed out. And phosphate was at .03ppm, which could actually be .015 ppm to .046ppm with the Hanna ULR accuracy of ±5 ppb. After I raised my nitrates and phosphates, it slowly went back to normal. I would try maybe upping your No3 and Po4 a bit.

Will try feed More and turn off skimmer for couple of days. I was thinking the might due low on nutrition as well.

 

[Chandlertank108]

Have you performed any water changes recently? I did a water change with the salinity off and mine reacted like that for a few days once.

No haven’t change the water, usually I’ll do water change every 2 weeks.

 

[Chandlertank108]

Im assuming you meant to say turning off your skimmer? I wouldn't turn it off as it helps to aerate the water, but open up the valve so it doesn't collect much.

So just let dry skimming? Hey, just wondering about Hanna Po4 tester, what the % different between low range phosphate and ultra low range phosphate?

 

[ReefLab]

Hanna ULR phosphate accuracy:

Accuracy @ 25°C/77°F

±0.02 ppm ±5% of reading

Hanna LR phoshate accuracy:

Accuracy @ 25°C/77°F

±0.04 ppm ±4% of reading

The LR reading of .03 can be anywhere from 0.00 to 0.07 but with your Nitrate reading, im guessing it is zero. The ULR will be s much more reliable checker in the range we are most concerned about (<.90)

 

[jcolliii]

ESV does a nitrate solution. Pretty inexpensive. It will slightly raise ALK, but worked really well for me.

 

[naterealbig]

Go slow if utilizing nitrate supplement. A rise in nitrate with no other action, can lead to a steep drop in phosphate. 0 phosphate is worse than 0 nitrate. Might buy both supplements, and monitor them closely, dose each as needed.

 

[homer1475]

Ok lets see here, you torch is somewhat shrunk in for one day and your freaking out?

You do realize corals don't always open every day? They have off days just like we do. These are living creatures, and as such they have off days just like any other living being.

Slow down, don't freak out, and just give it a day or 2 to see what it does, before you do anything drastic. In my opinion your coral looks fine from the pics you posted.

Corals have adapted to ocean life over thousands of years, a day or 2 to you is like a couple minutes in coral time. Remember nothing good happens fast in this hobby.