[226-fan]

I have had a branching hammer coral for about 10 days. When I purchased it I was told not to worry about light acclimation because my tank had the same lighting as the shop 150 watt hqi (except my nanocube, the light is much closer to the water).

Anyway by the 3rd day the coral was showing signs of being shocked by the light. I went to a greatly reduced light schedule to acclimate. By the 2nd day of reduced lighting 2 0f the 3 branches were completely back to normal. However the 3rd branch barely extends during the day. It probably only puts its polyps out about 1/4 to 1/5 as much as the other two branches.

It has been like this for about a week now. Is there anything I can do or do I just give it more time?

Thank you
Tom

[pogodzib]

I'd leave it alone if there is no apparent cause and it is still doing alright besides for not extending fully. Sometimes branches may not extend out as far for other reasons as well such as a change in water parameters, current, or other corals or rock layout within the vicinity. Moving it around or changing things may affect the other two branches.

[226-fan]

Thanks for the reply. No other corals are near. Other people have told me that they have had corals take over a month to fully acclimate. I'll be patient and hope for the best.
Tom

[Taras1]

I have its cousin, a torch coral. It took a good 2 weeks for it to open up. Even now, when I do a water change or tank maintanance, it'll "hide" for a day or two.

[226-fan]

I actually had a new development.

I noticed that the head that wouldn't open looked like it had some decaying tissue at the base. I soaked the coral in Lugols for 20 minutes and 4 creatures fell out. They look like some sort of pod. Upon close inspection I saw a a tunnel for each pod in the decaying tissue.

It has been 2 days and the coral looks significantly better. Now I am trying to ID what the pests were.
Tom