Seth The Wine Guy;951758 wrote: Other factors I've seen retard PE is too much light or too much flow. Doesn't sound like you have too much light. Don't know about the flow...
I never have any issue with Nitrates so I couldn't tell you if that could be a factor. But, the basic fundamentals of what the polyps are for is to catch nutrients. So, if nutrients in one form or another are in over abundance, I would hypothesize the corals tell the polyps not to extend since a few factors are involved.
1. The corals ability to build exoskeleton is severely diminished with PO4 or NO3
SO
2. A coral not building more of itself and growing is not "hungry"
AND
3. The polyps are the most delicate and fragile extension of the coral along with new growth. The coral probably doesn't want to risk extending them if they aren't hungry and already have more food available than needed.
I've seen many a colony of SPS over an extended period of time with terrible PE that have good growth and color. While we all LOVE good PE from our SPS, I don't think it's a deciding factor as to whether a coral is happy and healthy. We think when a coral LOOKS its best is when it's healthiest. Which may be farthest from the case. Humans have retarded many a plant and animal through selective breeding and manipulation to please our eyes at the expense of the creature.
The only thing I can absolutely guarantee every SPS loves is stability.
