polyps are closing up, why?

[S14_Silvia]

For about the last week my yellow polyps and GSP have been closed and I can't figure out why. I have another GSP in the tank and it seems to be doing fine. I'm still new at this so mistakes can be made but everything seems to be in order. My water parameters are:

Ammonia-0
Nitrate-0
Ph-8.3
Kh-12
SG-1.026
Temp-82

I don't have a test kit for calcium and phosphate so I don't really know what those are at. I was planning on doing a 10 gallon water change today to see if that helps, but I am open to suggestions. Here are some pics if that helps

[Graham]

I can see some cycle-type (nuisance) algae in the pics and growing on the polyps...I don't remember, how long has it been up?

[S14_Silvia]

It's been setup for about 1 1/2 months. My cycle was complete about 2 weeks ago. Could it be the nuisance algea basically suffocating them. Would a freshwater bath help and lightly scrub away the algae, or is that a bad idea?

[S14_Silvia]

Anyone else care to chime in?

[FastFish720]

how much water flow?

[S14_Silvia]

575 gph return pump and 3 MJ900's. So around 1300 GPH total in a 75 gallon.

[S14_Silvia]

I am in the process of doing a water change and pulled the GSP out of the tanks for further inspection. I held it in front of a powerhead to spray off most of the algae covering it and put it in a small container to take a closer look. Once I put it in the container I noticed a small white shrimp crawling around on it. I then dipped it in some freshwater and the shrimp popped right out. From the looks of it, it looks like a mantis shrimp. It has the long arms like a praying mantis and is about the size of a pencil tip. COULD THIS BE THE PROBLEM?

[S14_Silvia]

Not sure if the pic helps, but here you go

[FastFish720]

The shrimp is probably not the cause. Most likely it is a water parameter or coral placement issue. Try moving it somewhere else.

[Fahz]

Originally Posted by S14_Silvia

I am in the process of doing a water change and pulled the GSP out of the tanks for further inspection. I held it in front of a powerhead to spray off most of the algae covering it and put it in a small container to take a closer look. Once I put it in the container I noticed a small white shrimp crawling around on it. I then dipped it in some freshwater and the shrimp popped right out. From the looks of it, it looks like a mantis shrimp. It has the long arms like a praying mantis and is about the size of a pencil tip. COULD THIS BE THE PROBLEM?

The critter looks like an isopod get use to them you'll see alot over time not a problem.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-08/rs/index.htm

As far as polyps not opening it may be algae or they could be fine your tank is not very mature there could be nothing wrong. GSP, Leathers, and other corals can close for long periods of time for no known reason. I think you just leave them alone no reason to dip.

Fahz

[tico mike]

If you've got algae growing on them, increase the flow they are getting and get some snails on them to clean up the algae. Algae can irritate them into not opening. The star polyps can take a gentle physical cleaning. Once they open again, feed the yellows.

[S14_Silvia]

I put them in a higher flow area and on wednesday I will be picking up 2 emerald crabs and 25 bue leg hermits. Will that help or should I go and get some snails too?

[tico mike]

I'm no expert, but the remedy I read included snails. FWIW. Maybe hermits would pick too much???

[redlion4]

My GSP do not like films growing on them. I used a turkey baster to clean them off when it happened. Have not had to go back and do it again. They opened up the same day after cleaning them off. Would not normally advise FW dips for these myself.

[kpax]

Is your salinity levels correct? Check that.