Toadstool lost polyp extension, why?

[reef-geek]

My toadstool seems happy but the polyp is not fully extended like before, I know my NO3(25ppm) and PO4(0.46) are a bit high, but I changed 50% water and it's still the same.
any other reasons?

 

[BristleWormHater]

Possibly starting to shed its mucus layer, they do it every few months. It can take awhile.

 

[BonnieB]

My toadstool seems happy but the polyp is not fully extended like before, I know my NO3(25ppm) and PO4(0.46) are a bit high, but I changed 50% water and it's still the same.
any other reasons?

Toadstools are a soft leather so your numbers aren’t bad for them (softies like and can handle higher nutrients!). What is most likely happening (and sorry I can’t see your pic or video) is the toadstool is shedding. They do this with a top layer of mucous and this is part of their growth pattern. During this time they will retract their polyps. Mine even turned a grayish color and I thought it was dying it stayed like that so long. Take a turkey baster and very gently blow across the top of it and see if any mucous comes off. And watch it to make sure it doesn’t start to “melt.”

 

[reef-geek]

thanks, how long does the shedding process take usually?

 

[fish_collector]

A few days to a week typically. Mine would get glossy when they were shedding.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

IME they do better in higher flow area's, seeing your toadstool besides some mushrooms makes me think the flow is probably low in that spot.

 

[BonnieB]

thanks, how long does the shedding process take usually?

The first time it took almost a month, which is part of the reason I thought it was dying slowly! After that a few days and not as dramatic because of its continued growth!