Photosynthetic Gorgonian Shrinking

[Rupture Reefer]

Hey guys,
Just in the past week I have noticed some branches of my photosynthetic Gorgonian to be shrinking. I am not really sure why this is. My other corals seem to be doing fine.

My parameters:
SG: 1.025
Nitrate: 16
Phosphate: .04
DKH: 8.3
pH: 8.2
Temp: 79° F

I know that the nitrates are a little high, but with the majority of my corals being softies I don't think that would cause anything like this to happen. No fish are nipping at it. Any ideas? Also I read somewhere that I should cut these parts off to keep the effect from spreading, is that correct?
Thanks

 

[Rupture Reefer]

Anyone know what the problem is and what I should do?

 

[Rupture Reefer]

Anyone?

 

[Leslie Tabor]

They do that in spots sometimes. Is it just that one branch?

 

[Leslie Tabor]

They don't care about nitrates and phosphate as long as it doesn't get crazy. You can nip that spot off if you like, it won't hurt it.

 

[CollectOyster04]

Just from experience with mine, it could be lack of some flow. Early on, I would have that happen, then get some algae growth on those spots. Gorgonians like flow. Mine has grown ridiculously since I increased the flow around it. I would trim off any of those dead branches. It will spark new growth.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Light and adequate water flow are key for these guys

 

[WVNed]

More flow and don't trim it. It will grow back quickly over the exposed skeleton once it is happy.
Some of mine are 12 inches from the front of an MP60. They seem to like being blasted.
Trimming it won't hurt it though.

 

[Rupture Reefer]

Thank you all very much!