Polyp Extension

[scaramanga]

I've read quite a bit that Polyp Extension doesn't mean anything when it comes to Acro's and that you should measure by encrusting. I just wanted to get others thoughts on it here. I've had this Cooler's Champagne for just short of 4 months now. Coloration looks great. You can see it is starting to encrust onto the rock. There is a Forest Fire Digi not to far from it. Both sit in the same par level and flow. That digi has only been in the tank for 2 months(I cut it 2 weeks ago so I could get it on frag plugs) and you can see full polyp extension. With joining my first growout, I just want to make sure I'm on the right path. I have fed reef roids(1 time a week), but have stopped awhile back since I didn't see any difference using it or not.

Should I be worrying about polyp extension?

Would this be ok for growth rate for 4months?

Pictures are from my orange glasses.

 

[thresher]

They are like most of the male species. When conditions are correct, they wave the happy flag.

 

[drexel]

You really can't compare polyp extension between genus/species. The best time to look for polyp extension is at night when acropora are feeding (which is the best time to feed them as well). To judge health of acropora, it's more than just polyp extension, it's color, tissue density and growth. Some species never really have great polyp extension, so it's not the best way to judge a healthy acropora.

 

[scaramanga]

You really can't compare polyp extension between genus/species. The best time to look for polyp extension is at night when acropora are feeding (which is the best time to feed them as well). To judge health of acropora, it's more than just polyp extension, it's color, tissue density and growth. Some species never really have great polyp extension, so it's not the best way to judge a healthy acropora.

When you say at night. Do you mean like lights off night? If so, how can you see the polyps? Do you turn the lights on briefly? Like how does one get a pic like this?

 

[drexel]

When you say at night. Do you mean like lights off night? If so, how can you see the polyps? Do you turn the lights on briefly? Like how does one get a pic like this?

View attachment 130805

Yes, after lights are off. You can simply shine a light (flashlight, phone, etc) and you should see polyp extension. Corals (acropora) do this at night because in nature, fish are normally sleeping or hiding at night and they aren’t nipping at them. Also zooplankton is more prevalent at night to avoid predation. If you have polyp extension during the day, look at night, because they reach out much more than day.


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