yveterinarian
Super Active Member
- Joined
- Jun 7, 2012
- Location
- Innerkip, Ontario
After a quick read through I am going to guess that you have an issue with species competition. Almost all corals (especially leathers) generate a toxic substance that inhibits the growth of competing coral. Other leathers are generally able to tolerate this secretion much better than zoas and gsp (for example) but could still effect each other. I see no mention of the use of GAC in your post which is a vital component of removing this toxic secretion, you also mention that your skimmer pulls out an abundance of thick skimmate, which is another clue that there is a lot of biological activity in the tank, again hinting that these secretions might be overwhelming the tank. If you do not do so already, I would get a high grade GAC and run that 100% of the time for the next few months, changing it at least every month, maybe more, and watch to see if your polyp extension improves. Alternatively increasing your water change frequency can have the same effect.
Thanks for the advice reefgeek. However for the uninitiated minimalist who hasn't used additives could you please define GAC? Also, what is the best way to use it in the tank?