Why are my clove polyps closed?

[brycenelson]

I have had these clove polyps for 2 months and recently they have started to close.

Salinity 1.026
Ph 8
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 0
Phosphate .28
Calcium 440
Alk 10
Mag 1350

 

[blaxsun]

Other than low nitrates (you do want some nitrates) and elevated alkalinity (unless you normally run it at this level), I don't see anything off with your parameters. Your phosphates are a tad high but not really at a level that I'd consider problematic.

 

[brycenelson]

I have some turf algae I’m trying to get rid of that is taking all my nitrates. I think that is the problem because right when I started to see all the algae the polyps started to close

 

[dschuffert]

This happens to me every couple of months or so. They stay retracted for a week or two, then they come back out and look good. Usually, this is preceded by my Duncons closing up first. They come back out after a few weeks. I am still trying to figure this out. I test the water weekly, the temperature is constant, etc., and not sure what I am doing or not doing is effective.

 

[brycenelson]

The Duncans I have are doing great this is the only coral that isn’t doing great.

 

[Daniel92481]

Without chasing, try to have nitrates between 5-10. Elevated phosphates will cause algae. See if you can get it to 0.1 or lower, just not 0. I use the chemipure blue nano packets to reduce phosphates. I prefer these because it happens gradually and can be tested for along the way. Also, if you see anything growing on your cloves, try to turkey baster them off gently.

 

[brycenelson]

Ok will try the turkey baster thank you

 

[schooncw]

I placed two largish rocks with green clove polyps in my tank on Friday and they have not opened. I have been in the hobby and aquatic industry for a very long time and all else in my -mainly-softie tank are doing exceptionally well - lots of euphyllia, mushrooms, leathers, duncans, bubble coral, etc. I have read every article and watched every video that I can find. They are on the bottom of my 120 and get adequate light and flow for sure!
PO is 0.3 and nitrate is around 20-elevated a tad, I know- but as I said, all else is fine, including goniopora. My salinity is stable at 1.026.
Any advice is appreciated.