ghost-like slime web coming from devils hand leather coral

tiflyche · 08/28/2018, 02:08 PM

Can anyone help me identify some major questions? I am new to reefing an keep a close eye on my tank. This appeared in less than 12 hours.

1) is this actually a Devil's Hand Leather Coral
2) Is this polyp extension that is begging
3) What are the "feather duster" like tube laying on the coral
4) What is the ghost-like slime or film with a we-like flow attached on the coral
5a) Are any part of the images a concern or need special treatment or attention
5b) If so, how to I correct the situation

RioReefr · 08/28/2018, 02:39 PM

I have a very large Devil's Leather Coral.

This is somewhat normal behavior. It kind of goes into a protective-mode if water parameters change or if there a lot sand kicked-up (by my PITA Damselfish).

It should close up, all little polyps will retreat, it forms like a cocoon, then glosses over, then eventually shed its "skin". For me the start to end timeframe is about 4-5 days, then it looks normal again.

Mine is actually in the last stage. Its because I thoroughly cleaned the tank on Saturday.

If it keeps re-curring then you have water parameter troubles. In my case, I would say mine does this about every 4-6 weeks.

AlSimmons · 08/28/2018, 02:43 PM

What your seeing is just the corals way of cleansing itself of algae, detritus etc. Sometimes increasing the amount of flow the coral is receiving keeps the shedding to a minimum. FWIW the one I have seems to prefer moderate lighting a whole bunch of chaotic flow.

tiflyche · 08/28/2018, 06:37 PM

This coral is new to my system. My system is approximately two months new. The cycle is complete with steady water parameters tested weekly. Water changes of 15% every other week.

Parameters are tested with API, refractometer, pH/salinity/TDS (Eutech Instruments)

Salinity 1.026
pH 8.0
KH 9-10 dKH (161.1-179.0 ppm)
Nitrite 0 ppm
Ammonia 0-0.25 ppm
Phosphate 0-0.25 ppm
Calcium 400-420 mg/L
Nitrate 0-5 ppm
Temp 78.2 - 78.6 F

60 gal tank. Reef Octopus skimmer HOB marineland emporeor biowheel filtration with carbon and filter media. 2 powerheads: one 800gph near filter and 1600gph head near skimmer.

TheCamaroShow · 08/28/2018, 06:49 PM

normally they are pretty hardy, have you dipped it recently?

tiflyche · 08/28/2018, 09:20 PM

I did a quick freshwater dip after purchase

RioReefr · 08/29/2018, 12:14 PM

IMO, if it is a new coral then it is just adjusting to the water parameters.

As others have said, they are very hardy. Probably just detritus or sand that got onto it. Take a plastic pippette and make sure is clean of any debris.

08/28/2018, 02:39 PM	#2
RioReefr Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Rio de Janeiro Posts: 394	I have a very large Devil's Leather Coral. This is somewhat normal behavior. It kind of goes into a protective-mode if water parameters change or if there a lot sand kicked-up (by my PITA Damselfish). It should close up, all little polyps will retreat, it forms like a cocoon, then glosses over, then eventually shed its "skin". For me the start to end timeframe is about 4-5 days, then it looks normal again. Mine is actually in the last stage. Its because I thoroughly cleaned the tank on Saturday. If it keeps re-curring then you have water parameter troubles. In my case, I would say mine does this about every 4-6 weeks.

08/28/2018, 02:43 PM	#3
AlSimmons Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: California Posts: 2,482	What your seeing is just the corals way of cleansing itself of algae, detritus etc. Sometimes increasing the amount of flow the coral is receiving keeps the shedding to a minimum. FWIW the one I have seems to prefer moderate lighting a whole bunch of chaotic flow.

08/28/2018, 06:49 PM	#5
TheCamaroShow Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: northen Wv Posts: 192	normally they are pretty hardy, have you dipped it recently?

08/28/2018, 09:20 PM	#6
tiflyche Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Little Rock, AR Posts: 13	I did a quick freshwater dip after purchase

08/29/2018, 12:14 PM	#7
RioReefr Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Rio de Janeiro Posts: 394	IMO, if it is a new coral then it is just adjusting to the water parameters. As others have said, they are very hardy. Probably just detritus or sand that got onto it. Take a plastic pippette and make sure is clean of any debris.