Candy cane coral not lookin so hot.

[corvettecris]

I'm a newb, first off. I just recently added small frags of xenia, star polyp, and candy cane. Despite the other two looking terrific, the candy cane still hasn't opened up much in the last 3 days since I added it. Here are the stats:

29 gal w/ 10 gal sump
250w MH w/ 50/50 actinic
SG = 1.023
pH = 8.4
ite/ate/amm = 0
KH = 161.1 ppm/9*
Calcium = 360ppm

Placed near top of tank (maybe too direct MH?)

Anyways, any help is much appreciated.










Phos = 0

[corvettecris]

Oh, medium-high flow, I'd say. My LFS suggested less light and flow?

[Phyxius]

I have a frag tank that is about the same.....29g with 250MH and 2 VHO actinics.
I have 3 colonies of Candy Cane that are thriving and are placed mid to lower in the tank with mid to low flow. Higher up they didnt do as well when I first got them.

Specific gravity on mine is 1.026 with a calcium level of 420 in that tank.

[corvettecris]

Thanks for the reply. Is my SG low? Should I add some salt over the course of a few days and try to get it up towards 1.026 like yours?

[Phyxius]

1.025 to 1.026 seems to be the target in a full reef and calcium up to the 400 range. Its always worked well for me and I`m sure someone with better reef "Chemistry to Specific Coral" will be along to help better.

Mine all were purchased with 4 heads and they all have 10-20 on them now over the last 6-8 mths with above parameters and placement in tank.

[x1crt]

mine are in the middle of the tank with middle flow and their doing great

[dileggi]

I was having problem with mine as well. I moved to middle tank, lower flow and it's really making a difference.

I would target salinity at 1.025 - 1.026 and target calcium between 400-450. It seems most people target 450 calcium as optimal.

My tank is a 29g also and they're under 144w PC's - I would say they're about a quarter of the way up.

[Mojo Jojo]

I dont intend to judge your expertise, but where are your PO4 levels? If you arent doing so try running some GFO on a reactor. It really makes a big difference. Good luck with the hobby:)