Does polyp extension = healthy sps?

[alexytman]

I was just wondering if polyp extension means good health other does it mean I don't have enough flow or light. I've kept lps and softies up until now and bought some Montis and acros as small frags. I got a good deal for them as a group and the Aussie acros seems it's been encrusting on the flag already, so they we definitely now fresh cut frags. They have huge flowers and was wondering if it's a good thing.

 

[RobZilla04]

Yes. Good color, polyp extension, and growth are all signs the coral is healthy.

 

[29bonsaireef]

I look for growth first, then color, and lastly PE. Typically a healthy coral will have good PE, but at times unhealthy pieces can have lots of PE as well.

 

[Graffiti Spot]

I agree that polyp extension alone is not going to be a good indicator of coral health when looked at by itself.

 

[alexytman]

I look for growth first, then color, and lastly PE. Typically a healthy coral will have good PE, but at times unhealthy pieces can have lots of PE as well.

I'll look at it maybe a month or two later and see if growth is changing. But for color, is turning fluorescent green a good thing? Originally it was more purple. Also I noticed of I keep it at a even higher flow the polyps retract, since people say flow is good. Should I up my flow?

 

[RobZilla04]

I'll look at it maybe a month or two later and see if growth is changing. But for color, is turning fluorescent green a good thing? Originally it was more purple. Also I noticed of I keep it at a even higher flow the polyps retract, since people say flow is good. Should I up my flow?

Share a pic of the specimen if you can. Sometimes they can have two or more colors, especially as the grow. Your light spectrum can play a role in this as well.