Why is my torch not extend

jennyQwQ · Apr 16, 2023

So I bought a torch coral two weeks ago. When I put it in my tank, the torch was extending perfectly (the second photo) then after a water change plus running the skimmer for one night( I don’t really use skimmer, I used it cause I think there is to many organic matter in my tank, probably used it once in a month). After that the torch have not fully extended (The first photo, it is very puffy but the tentacles are not extending). My No3 is 2, PO4 0.08, Alkalinity 5.7 ( in the process of fixing), Ca 450, Mg 1280, salinity 1.25. I think maybe alkalinity could be the reason but the torch has been in the tank for a week before not extending really well so it doesn’t seems it is the cause. Does anyone have any idea about this?

Troylee · Apr 16, 2023

Get your alk up and bring mag up to 1400-1450. Lps love higher mag..

mtraylor · Apr 16, 2023

Yes. Your alk is way too low. I would recommend getting your alk up to say 8.6 range and keep it there. You will have to do real slow as too fast will kill all your corals. Get some buffer and follow directions. What is your ph?

Also did you dip the coral for pests when you got it?

tgafish · Apr 16, 2023

Do you have any shrimp in your system?

jennyQwQ · Apr 16, 2023

Troylee said:
Get your alk up and bring mag up to 1400-1450. Lps love higher mag..

Thanks for the suggestion.

jennyQwQ · Apr 16, 2023

mtraylor said:
Yes. Your alk is way too low. I would recommend getting your alk up to say 8.6 range and keep it there. You will have to do real slow as too fast will kill all your corals. Get some buffer and follow directions. What is your ph?

Also did you dip the coral for pests when you got it?

I haven’t test my PH yet. I did dip it and I have a possum wrasse in the tank just to on the safe side.