SPS Polyp Extension issue

[Danesreef]

Hi all, New to the forum and looking for some assistance/guidance.


I am having some issues with SPS polyp Extension, and struggling to figure out why, Hopefully below I have given enough details to avoid loads of questions, though will answer any needed

Aquarium Details

Main Tank: 350L (without diplacement)
Remote Tank: 100L
Sump: 120L (supplying both systems)

I have the above set up with one sump remote (on opposite side of a wall) to my main DT in my living room, above the sump is also a 100L remote tank. All the is supplied via manifold with 8000lph pump.

Main system details
Lighting - 2 x MAxspect etherial, Mounted on the tank, 8" from water surface
2 x Maxpect Gyres XF250 with ICV6 Controller running on one of the preset programes (one either end, tank is 120cm)
8000lph return pump via manifold

Remote tank
This is currently housing a couple of clown's and different macro algae's (not fast growing)

System is running triton, with a full fuge and a mixture of macro algae within the sump.

In sump I have a deltic 1456 Skimmer in second chamber, along with Phosphate reactor and Biohome Marine (3kg)

Stocking Levels
1 x 4" Fox-face
1 x 2" Yellow Tang
4 x Clowns
2 x Angels
1 x 6 Line Wrasse
1 x Scooter Blenny
1 x Algae Blenny

Ample clean up crew.

Parameters are all within acceptable range's though not perfect.

7.8 DKH (Red Sea pro and Hanna)
440 Calcium (Red Sea Pro)
1440 Magnesium (Red Sea pro)
8.1 PH (Red Sea and Hanna Pen

Ammonia 0 (Red Sea)
Nitrite 0 (Red Sea)
Nitrate 0 to 0.2 (Salifert and Red sea pro)
Phosphate - P 0.008 and P04 0.024 (Elos High Res)

Other trace Elements in parameters from previous triton test excluding Iron and Iodine. I had elevated Iron and Iodine Levels, Water changes carried out to bring these back down and currently waiting a return on triton test to see latest parameters.

I Feed daily (twice daily via auto feeder for fish using vitalis pellet's) and frozen mix. Weekly I blanket feed with Reef Roids and Phyto Mix

Lighting period is slowly ramping up from 9am with 1 hour blues only to reach 70% by 2pm and ramping down from 6pm onwards changing to blues around 8pm and then off approximately 10pm.

Attached some images to try help, And any help/advise is appreciated.

 

[Crabs McJones]

Not sure what your referring to? All the pictures the polyps seem to be out. What specifically are you having an issue with?

 

[NB Reefer]

I agree with @crabs_mcjones polyp extension looks good on all except maybe the acro but there is some.

 

[XNavyDiver]

All your params look kosher, are you having problems keeping sps long term? Like @crabs_mcjones says, all looks good in your pics. How old is the tank and did you start with dry rock or live rock?

 

[Danesreef]

Thanks for the replies, Sorry should have said when I purchased these SPS (3 - 4 Months ago) they Polyp extension was a lot more, Also when I'm out and about seeing other peoples SPS they look a lot more vibrant and more polyp extension

The forest fire in particular used to look brilliant, now its like the above picture. I am getting growth on all corals.

When we say long term SPS, I have not lost at since I started some 6 months ago with Frags.

System is 18 month old, starting with a mixture of Live Rock and Dry Rock.

Maybe I am just expecting too much?

 

[Sallstrom]

You could try to get the nutrients up a little bit and see if there is a change.

/ David

 

[drawman]

Well I see that you have two angels in your tank. Check the polyp extension at night. If it is better then I would guess they are nipping which may be more of an esthetic problem than anything.

As others have said though the PE looks just fine in the pics you posted.

 

[Yati]

Extension looks good.. Keep in mind a lot of shots you can be manipulated with some software programs... you can increase your nutrients just be careful not do it it rapidly and never dose nutrients that you are testing for as well.

 

[Danesreef]

Well I see that you have two angels in your tank. Check the polyp extension at night. If it is better then I would guess they are nipping which may be more of an esthetic problem than anything.

As others have said though the PE looks just fine in the pics you posted.

I have watched from a distance and never see them nip at them, though I do have a trap on order to get them out.

Extension looks good.. Keep in mind a lot of shots you can be manipulated with some software programs... you can increase your nutrients just be careful not do it it rapidly and never dose nutrients that you are testing for as well.

I am referring to tanks I have seen with my own eyes/corals seen with own eyes. I am slowly trying to increase nutrients by reducing photo period of fuge, but taking its time.