zoas not opening, did i make a mistake?

[jbdreefs]

I took my wife to the LFS to buy a fish and some frags. She picked out a frag of mixed zoas. Brought them home and proceeded with the coral dip (seachem). Typical chaos occurred and I forgot about the corals. Some of the zoas opened up, but after a couple days, I'm worried. About half of the zoas are opening. I moved them to a new location last night thinking it would help. This is the only frag I've had any trouble with, so I'm thinking my problem is the extra long dip.

Parameters:
Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 5
Phosphate .05 (conservative)
Alkalinity 6 (getting buffer today)
Calcium 420
Ph 8.1
Temp 80

Maybe it's the low all or just takes a few days sometimes. Any thoughts?

Edit: Auto correct!

*maybe it's the low alk....

 

[jennm]

It's probably the low alk ticking them off.

I don't think the dip was a problem - per Jim at Seachem he's used Reef Dip at double strength for 30 minutes or more without any issues.

Many soft corals will "tell" you when alk is low. Sounds like this is one of those instances.

Jenn

 

[jbdreefs]

Thanks Jenn!