Toadstool Frag Whitening

[Zack]

So I've had this frag for a little over a month and it seems that every four days, it closes up, sheds, and then opens back up. During this last close-up period it seems as if it is loosing some color on the ridge (possible growth?) so I have a few questions. First, is it normal for a small frag like this to shed so much? Second, why do the shred? Here is the picture taken today. It's polyps are beginning to extend so I assum by this time tomorrow or the next day it should be all opened up.

Please excuse the reflection in the picture

[allan]

lol, that looks familiar. What do you mean by it shedding?

Do you have adequate flow over the frag?

Mine closes when agitated, and takes several days to open. But it stays open until molested.

The shedding... I've noticed that if there's no flow ore the toadstool it builds up a skin that seems to slough off when flow is added.

[polarbear]

That's how my toadstool was when I had it. It got a slight film/skin on it every once in awhile. Flow will help it shed the film off so try moving it to a different spot and see what happens.

[Zack]

I went ahead and readjusted it, it was right under a koralia 1 so I moved it closer to the light and aimed to koralia right at it.

[Sherita]

Allan, stop molesting your toadstool :shades:

Zack, my big toadstool sheds about once a month, and my small long polyp does it more than that. I have heard the theory that this is how they cleanse their surface of impurities. And mine have that white rim, so I would say it's most likely growth. As long as it is opening and closing I bet it will be fine.

[Zack]

Well, I decided to give it a bit before I posted again, but as of now, the toadstool is open and the part that looked like it was bleaching has colored in quite nicely. Also, it seems to be growing a nice little stalk so I think it might have been "cleansing itself" as Sherita said! Thanks for all the input guys!

[allan]

I'm glad that he's responding well. I was fixing to offer my replacement guarantee. 'cause I'm awesome that way. :)

Soon he'll be so big you'll have him dropping babies all over your tank.

[Zack]

Haha your the best man! Those Zoas you gave me are just starting to bud off baby heads :)