Large Bubble Coral

[fishchef]

I'm very surprised how sensitive this coral is to PO4. I've been a little short on funds and have been doing minimal maintenance. I found my phosphates at about .05 today. We never shoot for zero, but when they reach today's reading this coral doesn't fully expand. This has happened before. Caught it a little earlier this time. It also likes newer lights, high NO3, and higher dKH. My CA tends to run over 500, which is fine with this LPS, too.

[Dkuhlmann]

Depending on what's in your tank and it's size, you should be good with water changes every two weeks to control your parameters.

[fishchef]

I have been doing bi-weekly on this 125. Its been set-up for about 7 years and yes its very stable. PO4 seems to be the only thing I need to watch to keep it below .05. We like about .03 and so does the bubble. My NO3 hit zero today and the bubble closes up when this happens. So I feed heavier, the fish like that.

[lgull1]

I have had a Bubble coral for over 15 years. They like dirty water you will find out.

[fishchef]

What kind of parameters are you suggesting. I'm also slowly switching out some old bulbs. I'm thinking somewhat spectrum sensitive also.

[Dkuhlmann]

Good parameters are in my sig. What is your tank currently and how often do you do wc's?

[fishchef]

My CA 500, Mg 1500, dKH 10, Ph 8, PO4 .03/.05, NO3 10/12.5, Salinity 35%, temp 78-80
Have been doing bi-weekly WC. My habits changed and my NO3 was about zero. That's when the bubble retracted.

[Dan49]

I have had a Bubble coral for over 15 years. They like dirty water you will find out.

How do you keep dirty water without fighting the algae that comes with it?

[Dkuhlmann]

Yes you need to dirty up your water a bit. It's all a trade off for healthy inhabitants. If you get any algae blooms get the correct snails to handle it for you.

Try to get your nitrates to 5 or less and you should be much better off.

[rt67ghy]

If you feed your fish more frequently for a week your NO3 will increase and if you see any signs of algae cut back on the feedings.

[fishchef]

Thanks for all the input. This retraction has been going on for several weeks and the bubble has lost no tissue or color. Just doesn't expand very much. It goes through this cycle of retraction and expanding a few bubbles. I've got the NO3 up and a few new lights. Keeping an eye on things and doing a 25% WC today.