Briarium polyp withdrawl

[Lars]

Does anybody have any ideas as to why my Briarium (sp?), 'Corky sea finger' and my Green star polyp polyps have withdrawn? My water parameters seem ok and my bubble and 'candy cane' are doing well. I was under the assumption that these corals were some of the more hardy varieties, but I guess thats maybe just my luck. :? Thanks for any input.

125G
4 - 110 VHO
2 - 820 Seio's
1.024 SG
78°
Alk 8 dkh
Calc. 350
Nitrates 12.5 ppm
8.2 pH

 

[Len]

Lars,

It seems that people with these types of polyps (including green star polyps) are having issues with their colonies lately. I don't know what's up. It's probably a coincidence, but a very interesting one IMO.

When I had these types of polyps, they'd frequently close up for weeks to even a few months before reopening again. At first, of course, I was concerned, but I soon realized that they'll do this from time to time. I don't know why.

Some of suggested maintaining higher alk. I'd try slowly increasing your alk (via two part additives, kalkwasser drips, etc.) and see if it helps.

 

[jdeets]

Len--would NO3 at 12.5ppm have this effect on GSPs?

Those alk and Ca readings seem fine to me.

I do find the multiple threads on this issue today quite interesting as well. Maybe it has to do with the way the planets and stars are lined up.

Is all your livestock accounted for? When I used to have GSPs (see the other thread regarding why I no longer have them :wink: ), if a fish or something died, which adversely affected water quality, they'd close up.

 

[Len]

I doubt NO3 at 12.5ppm will do that. I've grown GSP, LPS, and various soft corals in the past with NO3 as high as 80ppm in the 1980s. Nitrate reallly isn't very toxic but it does encourage a lot of undesirable growth like algae that could harm corals.

 

[MelanieF]

What kind of flow do you have directed at/near them? When I first started out I had some close up for 2 weeks and then start desintegrating and was told the hang on filter I was using wasn't enough flow.

Mind you... that was years ago. :lol: The GSP I have now absolutely love being in my powerheads' lines of fire and seem to close up a bit when the flow is reduced due to one of the powerheads un-suctioning from position.

 

[Anonymous]

It has been my experience over time, that if a system is too clean, or you change something abruptly, like add carbon, or lighting, or something along those lines, that briarium, and other stolonous encrusting soft corals seem to take offense.

It has also been my observation, that sometimes, for no determinable reason, these types of corals like some systems better than others, thrive here, but not there, or thrive for a time then all of a sudden recede.

My success with these types of corals has been either smashing, or periodic, like they'll rage for a year or two, then all of a sudden crap out.

So, don't get too worked up. Sometimes it just happens ...for no reason.

We might be missing a key nutrient, like in the case of certain LPS's.

Maybe try a different strain, get a frag from a buddy. Try again.

 

[Anonymous]

Yeah... - Mine have decent polyp extension considering the mat size - which has receded considerably over the last couple months. - Two different strains in my case too.. - One with a white mat and more of a yellow tinge to the polyps, one with the usual purple mat with metallic green polyps..

Strange stuff..

 

[Lars]

Thanks for the replies all. My GSP 'raged' for the first few months I had it and grew about 25% encroaching on rock nearby. The briarium has been off and on since I got it a couple of months ago. It has two 'fingers' and one always extended more than the other with a slight different coloration, but now neither has extended for a couple of days. I'll up the Alk., do a water change and see what happens :?