Millepora polyp extension question

[Dilan Patel]

So I have had a couple millepora in my 180gallon reef tank. When I first got it it had crazy polyp extension even in the bag which I was surprised. I put it in the tank and then let it adjust to my lights in a cage due to the fact I had a lemonpeel which loved the taste of corals which I got rid of before I let the coral out of the cage. While in the cage it had polyp extension now since being out I have yet to see polyps. I do have a flame angel which might be the problem? I could keep him in my trap for a few days to see if polyp extension returns. The coral is dead smack in the middle of the tank. Middle of tank and middle in height. The flow is provided by two maspect gyre xf250 so it is getting plenty of water movement. I also have one near the same location it is a pink millie with no polyp extension. Could this be the work of the flame angel or could it be a pest idk what. I am battling red bugs but from my understanding redbugs dont effect this type of coral. Please help me with this problem and solving it/ i can post pictures if necessary.

 

[Robink]

If there was pe in the cage then I would think someone is picking at the coral when you're not looking.

 

[Rakie]

Could just need to adjust. I've had things with insane PE get upset and take months to recover. I've had other things come in upset, and after a frew days throw out PE like never before.

Always hard to say. Angels are always a potential. Pests are always a potential. but if you've SOUNDLY found those are not your issue -- May just need a lil time to adjust.

 

[CoralWealth]

is it getting blasted with flow? I would guess too much direct flow from one direction or a fish picking at it.

What other fish do you have?

 

[BoomCorals]

Put it back in the cage. See what happens.

 

[ksfulk]

Check them at night as well. If you are still getting polyp extension a few hours after lights out, its likely that a fish is the culprit. If there's no polyp extension at night as well, then you should look into pests or flow issues. Your phones flashlight and a look at the corals about two hours after lights out should tell you quite a bit.

 

[dodgerblew]

If there was pe in the cage then I would think someone is picking at the coral when you're not looking.

Check them at night as well. If you are still getting polyp extension a few hours after lights out, its likely that a fish is the culprit. If there's no polyp extension at night as well, then you should look into pests or flow issues. Your phones flashlight and a look at the corals about two hours after lights out should tell you quite a bit.

I agree with these posts. Did you receive the millis from the same place? Did you dip them?

You also mentioned red bugs and want to suggest if you have them get some Springeri Damsels. Absolutely beautiful fish and not aggressive like many Damsels and a natural predator of red bugs.

 

[Dilan Patel]

I got them from the same place. Both have no polyp extension. i will check at night. I will be starting red bug treatment in the 180 after i am completly confident it did not ruin the 55gallon I tested it on. As of now the treatment worked and I saw crazy polyp extension from my pink tabling acro for the first time since I had seen it at the pet store :). i did not think red bugs annoyed millis? What are some pests of Millies I should look for? I did dip them in coral RX. Now after all of this I bought bayer as a second dip to do in combination with coral rx from now on.

 

[Dilan Patel]

Do you mean after main lights are out and moonlights are on or after it is completely dark?

 

[CoralWealth]

Do you mean after main lights are out and moonlights are on or after it is completely dark?

completely dark.

 

[Salty1962]

Give them enough time to acclimate to their new home;) They'll open up for you.:)

 

[Hans-Werner]

Polyp extension of Acropora depends much on pH. At lower pH, lets say pH 8, the polyp extension is better. Also light plays a role.

 

[Dilan Patel]

my Ph is always 7.8 to 8 but still not amazing polyp extension...I am starting to see polyp extension on my millie since two days ago i took out my flame angel as a test. So is it that I want my Ph higher or lower. I know polyps are used for repiration.

 

[Hans-Werner]

If the flame angel caused the retracted polyps just wait. Maybe some nutrients and trace elements also can help in polyp extension. A. millepora also reacted very positive to some kinds of organic carbon dosing in my tanks.

 

[Dilan Patel]

I dose trace elements every 2 days based on calcium consumption. And i have started to feeding corals everyday instead of a couple times a week. I will also be starting dossage for red bugs this week.