Is my open brain in trouble?

[5Dsofdodgeball]

I placed a large open brain coral in my tank about a week ago. It had generally appeared to be very healthy with large fleshy extended polyps. Today when I got home I noticed that there was a large amount of mucus discharge in my DT ( looked like the discharge the coral emitted when I dipped it last week). More concerning is the polyps appear to be shrinking down. Is this something that can come and go or do I have a problem on my hands?

All other lps and softies appear healthy- I have no idea how to tell if an sps is healthy.

My water parameters:
PH-8.1
Ammonia-0
Nitrate-7ppm
Phosphate- 0ppm
Calcium- 430
Alk- 140

 

[Kostas G.]

Are you feeding it? These like heavy feeding of a good quantity

 

[Retro Reefer]

How old is your system? These really need an established and stable tank to thrive. Give it lower/moderate lighting and flow, don’t try to feed it unless it’s exhibiting a feeding response

 

[hllb]

Mine was not expanding as much the last few days, but then last night was looking for food. I fed him twice and he puffed up. I'll see how he looks tonight when I get home, but he was happier last night.

 

[Jeff Jarry reef]

What's your ALK is not 140 I hope ?

 

[5Dsofdodgeball]

What's your ALK is not 140 I hope ?

Alk is 140 ppm or 8 dKH
System is about 3-4 months old, fully cycled.

I’ve been target feeding reef chili every other day. It seems to exhibit a feeding response.

Yesterday it looked open, fleshy and happy again, but shriveled back up an an hour or so.

 

[lapin]

It might be too much light if its open in the AM then closes up as your lights ramp up.

 

[Jeff Jarry reef]

They can handle good light not full blast. And they need moderate flow not alot. And phosphate could be higher too. How old is your tank?

 

[5Dsofdodgeball]

They can handle good light not full blast. And they need moderate flow not alot. And phosphate could be higher too. How old is your tank?

Take is 3-4 months cycled. My light is a Fluval 3.0 marine reef- so not super strong.

On the good news- today is seems large and fleshy again. So we will see.

Is feeding reef chili every other day sufficient? And do I aim for the mouth in the center of the polyp?

 

[Jeff Jarry reef]

Take is 3-4 months cycled. My light is a Fluval 3.0 marine reef- so not super strong.

On the good news- today is seems large and fleshy again. So we will see.

Is feeding reef chili every other day sufficient? And do I aim for the mouth in the center of the polyp?

You can try moving it up for light or less light. Sometimes you need to move corals around until you find that sweet spot.

 

[Jeff Jarry reef]

They at least 150 -250 par I would try moving it up if your light aren't that Brite.

 

[5Dsofdodgeball]

It might be too much light if its open in the AM then closes up as your lights ramp up.

 

[5Dsofdodgeball]

Looking much better today

Picture is same time of day as three days ago.

 

[5Dsofdodgeball]

They at least 150 -250 par I would try moving it up if your light aren't that Brite.

Yea I think by trying to save money with a cheaper light set up I’m actually going to cost myself money in the long run...

 

[Jeff Jarry reef]

I have a red lobo and it the same family it getting 250 par on the sand.

 

[Jeff Jarry reef]

Here's mine

 

[Jeff Jarry reef]

K

Looking much better today

Picture is same time of day as three days ago.

Just keep what your doing he should be fine looking good.

 

[hllb]

And do I aim for the mouth in the center of the polyp?

I don't know the right answer, but I aim for the tentacles and then he closes in on himself, presumably putting the food in his mouth himself. Here he is "chewing" LOL.

 

[Jeff Jarry reef]

I don't know the right answer, but I aim for the tentacles and then he closes in on himself, presumably putting the food in his mouth himself. Here he is "chewing" LOL.

Nice

 

[lapin]

I have had my open brain for 2 years. I didnt know you feed them. Interesting.
On Sunday I feed the tank phyto, oyster feast and reef roids. Not very meaty. Maybe it eats the live white worms when I toss a bunch in the tank each day.