Help with torch?

[kingjames_dc5]

So Is this is my concern the first pic is from back in late April and the second is from yesterday. The video is from middle of may. Slowly extending less and less each day. Here is my parameters. The only thing that’s been changed/changing is alk has been on steady rise. In my understanding it’s due to the water I’m using is set at 7.3 with biweekly water changes and not enough consumption. I have added more coral to hopefully help with that. The sponge has been taking over but I was told by other members that the sponge is just taking advantage of space and food due to retracting. The tissue damage is being caused by something else. Is it dying or is something else wrong with it?

 

[176327]

I don’t know what’s growing on it, but you can see the growth in the second photo.

 

[Stuartmercer]

There seems to be a growth on it and the fact your phosphates are 0 ppm is concerning. Try boosting phosphates and try to scrub off whatever is growing on it.

 

[kingjames_dc5]

I believe it’s a Tunicate sponge. Does anyone know the best way to remove it? I have been feeding more and have removed Chemi pure for carbon bags to aid in raising the phosphate. But haven’t had much luck yet. Would the sponge be the cause of if being closed?

 

[Shirak]

I believe it’s a Tunicate sponge. Does anyone know the best way to remove it? I have been feeding more and have removed Chemi pure for carbon bags to aid in raising the phosphate. But haven’t had much luck yet. Would the sponge be the cause of if being closed?

I don't think the sponge is causing any of the torch issues.
It isn't just closed, it's lost a lot of tissue and receded significantly over a long period of time. Probably from the lack of phosphate, it's been slowly starving and shrinking. Do you target feed it? Might help.

 

[Littlefishbursalı]

LPS Corals, nitrate and phosphate lovers.
Make sure it's not zero.
Also, measure potassium (kalium). torch coral can consume very quickly.