New Reefer needs help troubleshooting

[miloreif]

Hi everyone. I’m new to the reef hobby, I’ve had saltwater fish for years but never kept coral. I recently set up a 30 gallon tank and it just finished cycling. I’ve added some clownfish and a wrasse and they’re doing great. I’ll list all my parameters and equipment below. Today I bought some Xenia and GSP as my first corals. However both have refused to open up and the Xenia is shrinking and shrinking. I can’t figure out what’s wrong.

I use Biocube salt with all the trace minerals with RO DI water. I have a good quality NICREW LED Coral light. I have two power heads positioned on opposite ends of the tank, facing in such a way that there are no dead zones. I always make sure my hands and clean and free of any traces or soap before doing any maintenance. I also dipped the coral at the appropriate dosage and temperature acclimated them accordingly. I feel like I’m doing everything right and I’ve done a heck of a ton of research. But I can’t even grow a Xenia?!! What am I missing?

Parameters:
Ammonia: 0 ppm
Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: 10 ppm
pH: 8.2
Salinity: 1.024
Calcium: 420 ppm
Alkalinity: 9.4 dKH
Magnesium: 1300 ppm
Phosphate: 0 ppm

Equipment:
HOB filter with charcoal, sponge, and biomedia
Protein Skimmer
Heater at 80F
2 power heads
NICREW LED reef light
Plenty of live rock and sand

I also dose with Microbacter7 weekly and just started using Genesis by Polyp Lab.

 

[lil sumpin]

If you just got them today you should anticipate them cozying up to your system and opening up within a day or two.

 

[miloreif]

If you just got them today you should anticipate them cozying up to your system and opening up within a day or two.

They’re looking pretty rough… but hey I hope you’re right!

 

[Nano_Man]

Yep if there not doing good I found some look like they were melting away. Your water looks OK. When my corals were melting away it was due to high alk but your Alk looks OK. Maybe a photo in white light might give members a chance of what may be going on. Maybe take your phosphate off 0 . Everything looks good imo

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

If they are looking pretty rough, then post a couple of pics please so we can see. As mentioned above, a new coral needs time to acclimate to a new tank, it could take hours, or days, even months for some finicky corals.

 

[lil sumpin]

How are they doing? Hope they opened up some! Upload some pictures if you get the chance, might allow for an experienced member to help diagnosing

 

[miloreif]

How are they doing? Hope they opened up some! Upload some pictures if you get the chance, might allow for an experienced member to help diagnosing

Everyone was right. They all opened up and I’m so happy!