Anemones both closed for a couple days, trying to figure out why. Results included

[mikee002]

So both of my BTA Anemones have been healthy and in the same spot for over a year, the only thing that’s changed in the tank recently is added 2 clowns out of quarantine. Not many other corals, a few zoos and an acan. For the past 2-3 days both anemones have been completely closed, still attached to the rock and in the same spot. One slightly extended yesterday, but that’s it. It’s a 35 gallon cube, 10g sump. I’ve changed out 10 gallons water over the past 2 days.

Parameters
78 degrees
1.024 salinity
Nitrites and nitrate 0
PO4 0
Ammonia 0
Ph 8.0
Alkalinity 5 (performed 2x)

Reef crystals salt

I’ve been trying to raise nutrients lately, shortened fuge lighting and removed 50% of the chaeto.

The only thing that sticks out is the alk. Could this be the issue?

 

[Copingwithpods]

That could very well be it that is extremely low, what are your cal readings?

Do you have another alk test to double check?

 

[mikee002]

Calcium is 460 using salifert test. Nothing else to confirm at the moment

 

[Copingwithpods]

Can the test kit be expired? Can you mix up a batch of fresh saltwater and test that to see if the kit is working as intended? Wouldn't hurt to do a water change either.

 

[mikee002]

Can the test kit be expired? Can you mix up a batch of fresh saltwater and test that to see if the kit is working as intended? Wouldn't hurt to do a water change either.

Yeah I will try testing fresh mixed water. I’ve changed 10g already over the past day. Thanks

 

[mikee002]

Can the test kit be expired? Can you mix up a batch of fresh saltwater and test that to see if the kit is working as intended? Wouldn't hurt to do a water change either.

Yes, it turns out the test was expired in January. I tested fresh mixed water as well with the same reading of five or six. I will go to the local store today to test there and then go from there I guess.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Might be low N and P, or it might be unrelated to tank chemistry. Feed more, and the clowns will need that anyway.

Clowns might be irritating them.

 

[mikee002]

thanks, I will try feeding more.

Alk is 8, test kit was expired and reading low.

Might be low N and P, or it might be unrelated to tank chemistry. Feed more, and the clowns will need that anyway.

Clowns might be irritating them.