Is this normal?

[41264]

I'm new to the hobbie and I had this starburst green polyp since November an it has been doing great until three days ago; all the polyps retracted and have not come out, is this normal? PH is 8.3 temp. 78 and I do water changes every three weeks on a 90 gal. Please help.

[AndyH5512]

Be prepared to answer what the rest of your water parameters are (phosphate, nitrate, alkalinity). That is most likely what is affecting it.

[JEFFR259]

Something in the rest of your params may be off. Like Andy said, we need to know more about your water quality.

Don't worry though, IME, green star polyps will stay closed for several days when they do shut closed. I've had batches stay closed for weeks....

[41264]

Thanks to both of you for taking the time to reply, but I really do not know what the other parameters read or how to read them; like I said, I'm new to this. All I know is that my other five corals (zooanthids, torch coral, leather, coliflower tree, mushroom) are doing just fine and so was this one for two months until now. Assuming that all the parameters are Ok is this normal for this type of coral? And if it's not normal what should I check for? How?

[betamed]

check ALK and Ca. I find mine close up if alk is low.

[NewbieForever]

Buy good quality test kits, Alk, CA, P04, N03, Mg, are a good start. Elos and salifert are decent kits.

[NewbieForever]

Why your at it a good beginner book would be helpful as well, somethign like Aquarium Corals by Borneman or conscientious marine aquarist by Fenner.

[41264]

Thank you, the polyps finally came out and they look great! I guess is normal for them to hide for a few days. I will definetely get one of those books and some test kits because I have a lot to learn.

[roblack]

What other tank inhabitants do you have? One possibility is a water quality issue, but could also be something eating or harassing it.