Why is my Goniopora not opening?

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honeycomb
Posts: 6
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 6:29 pm

Why is my Goniopora not opening?

Post by honeycomb »

My Goniopora hasn't opened in three days. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 5 nitrate, 8.2 pH, 1.025 salinity. Tank is a 40-gallon mixed reef with two Clownfish and a Cleaner Shrimp. Lighting is AI Prime 16HD at 60% intensity. No recent changes except a 10% water change four days ago. Any ideas?
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FableKing
Posts: 10
Joined: Sat Nov 02, 2024 4:42 pm

Re: Why is my Goniopora not opening?

Post by FableKing »

Gonioporas are finicky with flow. What's your current setup? They prefer low to moderate, indirect flow. Also, check for pests like flatworms or nudibranchs. I've seen them close up due to irritation from hitchhikers.
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kaleon8
Posts: 5
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 4:52 am

Re: Why is my Goniopora not opening?

Post by kaleon8 »

FableKing wrote: Mon Aug 18, 2025 12:13 pm Gonioporas are finicky with flow. What's your current setup? They prefer low to moderate, indirect flow. Also, check for pests like flatworms or nudibranchs. I've seen them close up due to irritation from hitchhikers.
Spot on. I'd add that they're heavy feeders too. Try spot-feeding phytoplankton or reef roids. Mine perks up after a good meal.
Riverix
Posts: 5
Joined: Sat Aug 27, 2022 9:17 pm

Re: Why is my Goniopora not opening?

Post by Riverix »

Could be a light shock thing. You said you're running AI Prime at 60%. Maybe dial it back to 50% for a week? Gonis can be drama queens with sudden changes.
finhaven
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 2:22 pm

Re: Why is my Goniopora not opening?

Post by finhaven »

How's your alkalinity? Gonis are sensitive to swings. If it's stable, try moving it to a shadier spot. Sometimes they just need a break from the spotlight.
honeycomb
Posts: 6
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 6:29 pm

Re: Why is my Goniopora not opening?

Post by honeycomb »

Thanks for the tips, everyone. Flow is two MP10s at 30%, so I'll tweak that. Alkalinity is steady at 8.5 dKH. Gonna try spot-feeding tonight and report back.
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