GSPs

So my GSPs haven't been coming out. I actually think something might be bothering them. Would hermit crabs eat them?

 

Nope. Hermits won't touch 'em. I mean, they might sample one or two or pull at them with their claws. I've seen my emeralds do that but I'm sure a hermit could if they were a particularly adventurous eater. Inverts can also annoy them by walking on them. What are your params? High nitrate or detectable ammonia or nitrite could be bothering them, but if your other corals are okay than that probably wouldn't be it. What fish do you have?

 

Usually not. Have you tried brushing them off? GSP's can collect debris and/or form bio jelly on them which will prevent them from opening. Brush them off with a soft bristled brush under the current of a powerhead and see what they do.

 

how long has it been ?

 

Tank:
34 Gallon Solana w/ protein skimmer and 2 power heads

Params are :
Salinity - 1.0235
Alkaline - 2.8-3.0, so it's a bit high
Calcium level - 420
pH -8.3
Phosphate - 0.5
Ammonia - 0.25
Nitrite - 0
Nitrate - either between 0-2
Temp - 80

I bought a pulsing Xenia last Saturday and it died on Sunday- I'm thinking that's what the ammonia was from since it's been 0 consistently prior. These were the params last night before a 10% water change.

2 false percs
1 coral angel beauty
1 firefish
1 skunk cleaner
1 peppermint
1 electric blue legged hermit - LARGE
1 scarlet/red legged hermit - LARGE
A bunch of small blue legged hermits

1 button polyp - flourishing

 

My experience with Green Star polyp colonies has been that location is very much key to success - and in particular in relation to water flow - GSPs that have been doing well for ages may be affected by something as simple as placement of a new rock/ coral - that intereferes with the water flow that they have been accustomed to - the new addition causing a slight change in direction or amount of flow that reaches the GSPs

I have often found that moving GSPS in relation to water currents to either increase or decrease amount of movement - will make them happy again and expand fully



they dont like to strong flow - but appreciated a current that causes gently swaying of the open polyps - this also helps keep them free of the sediment as described above by Packleader

 

I think there must be some trace element specific to GSP that doesn't effect any other coral, or at least most other corals. I had GSP for months, growing like crazy. I bought a new way overrated skimmer, and about 2 weeks later the GSP stopped coming out. I used a brush and cleaned them off, still nothing, nothing that I have found is bothering them. They were not moved at all, same place they have been for months growing like weeds. They have started receding, and on their way out. I have SPS, LPS and other softies without any problems, actually most are thriving not just living. I think with the addition of my new skimmer I have depleted a certain trace element that is specific to the happiness/growth of GSP. I wish I knew what it is, all of my tests are coming out fine. I cannot find any info in any of my books or online of any trace element that is necessary for their success, but that could be because most tanks have an abundance of that specific element and never noted/recorded a lack of it. Anyone else have any insight on something like this?

 

hey man, GSP's go through theses kind of things

I've had my GSP close up for weeks and then come back normal...it's perfectly ok

 

I don't believe it has anything to do with a specific trace element. Plenty of people overskim and still keep happy and healthy GSP. I think what steve wright said may have to do with it. Added anything new lately?

 

Well I just put the GSPs in a new location and moved them further from the button polyps. I saw a hermit crab graze over them and the move on, same with the coral beauty.

I really dunno what it is, hopefully like you said they're just going through a phase and will come out again in a few days. It's already been a week! I brushed them off last night and nothing as of yet. Cross your fingers!