I'm stumped. Some polyps not opening

[cbcigar]

Hi everyone,

I am a bit stumped. In my little 40 gallon reef. I have some very well established Zoanthids that just one day, started to not open, certain polyps throughout the rock. Rock used to be almost covered when they were open, now, there are only clusters of them opening, while other clusters are not. See images. I have tried some minor flow changes and lighting. (nothing drastic) with not change. I did a water change, I have even removed the rock, dipped it using Fritz dip and changed location of the rock in the tank. No change. All other coral seem to be doing well. Star polyp, Duncans, goniopora, several other zoanthid coral frags, Kenya trees, pulsing xynia.. They all are open and seem to be thriving. Thoughts?

40 gallon tank
2 - 55 gal Tidal HOB's with just floss (I did start carbon a few days ago just as pre caution since I am digging around so much and dipped a rock)
Water temp 78
Salinity 1.025
PH 8.0
Alk 8.4
Phosphate .02 (as of a week ago)
Lighting - AI Prime HD (been using this light for over a year with no problem)

 

[bubbgee]

Usually that's bacterial issues (or flow issues). I would use a baster to blow off anything irritating the zoas of perform a light iodine dip if possible.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

IDK but i have 3 guesses.... Maybe low flow and detritus build up, gently basting them occasionally with a baster as mentioned is a good idea. It could be a pest, have you checked the mat carefully? I see some of them pally's stretching up. Just guesses though, good luck.

 

[Dom]

What does your CUC consist of? They may be crawling over your Zoas, causing them to close up.

Its kinda like getting poked in the eye; you react by closing it when you do.

 

[cbcigar]

Usually that's bacterial issues (or flow issues). I would use a baster to blow off anything irritating the zoas of perform a light iodine dip if possible.

Can you provide instructions on doing the iodine dip? I did do a dip using Fritz bug out... I just blew everything off

 

[cbcigar]

What does your CUC consist of? They may be crawling over your Zoas, causing them to close up.

Its kinda like getting poked in the eye; you react by closing it when you do.

Hermits of different sizes. I did suspect them at first but ive monitored them throught a day on the weekends. Never open with not traffic walking on them.

 

[bubbgee]

Can you provide instructions on doing the iodine dip? I did do a dip using Fritz bug out... I just blew everything off

Here's the general guide I use.

How to Dip Coral - Beyer, Peroxide, Iodine and More

Knowing how to dip coral can help you prevent bacterial infections, pests, rapid and slow tissue necrosis (RTN and STN). Overall, coral dipping can improve the overall success of your new coral! See how to dip coral here!

reefstable.com