Leather Coral - Sick ??

jgraver · 02/25/2011, 05:46 PM

I have a toadstool leather coral. Had it about a month. It was doing great then it started to shed. I thought it would come out of it looking better but it seems to be doing worse and is now drooping and turning purple. Most of the shedding is done so I was wondering if it is sick?

All my parameters are fine and other corals are doing great. Except my Colt Coral which has retracted and has not come out in 2 days (See Pic).

SG = 1.025
Nitrates - 5.0
Phosphate .05
PH - 8.2
Temp - 78
KH 8-9
Calcium 480
75 gallon tank - been running 2 months. Pictures attached:

Virtuoso · 02/25/2011, 05:50 PM

Still very new myself, but I think those nitrates are too high. And I think the phosphate should be closer to 0. When was the last water change? I would wait for someone more experienced to comment before doing anything, though.

WXB · 02/25/2011, 06:13 PM

you want your Nitrites down to at least .02 do a water change and use Special Blend to bring down the levels. The problem is sometime people add too much too soon. usualy having a tank set up for 6 months and slowly add things to get the cycles going. but use the special blend its natural and you can add as much as you want and it will not hurt your tank at all it says to add then turn off your lights for 24 hrs. just add at night and it will be fine. add 40% more than what it says due to saltwater needs more. hope it helps. make sure it has plenty of space around it. some times corals just stay hidden. some days my green star poylps will just eat and hide out for a few days then come out with no problems. just keep up on your water for the first year.

Sugar Magnolia · 02/25/2011, 06:21 PM

Yep, the nitrates are to blame. Do a series of water changes every other day to bring that level down into an acceptable range...ideally zero.

WXB · 02/25/2011, 06:29 PM

in a 75 gal tank do about 5 gal maybe every 4 or 5 days for 3 changes then add the special blend series for a good week. when it says add then after 8 days add more add then add more 4 days later not 8 days.

Sugar Magnolia · 02/25/2011, 07:16 PM

I'm not sure what "special blend" is, but water changes and routine cleaning of mechanical filtration is all that is needed.

WXB · 02/26/2011, 12:46 AM

special blen is " special blend aquarium bacteria" here is what the company says I love this stuff they say " A complete Eco-system in a bottle. Dramatically reduces the need for cleaning and water changes. The chemical free formula is ideal for both salt and freshwater fish. Works as a new tank starter for biological cycling and boosting as well as a biological maintainer for established tanks. It is an organic waste degrader that naturally stimulates plant growth. Removes odors and clears cloudy water. Breaks down residue on gravel, plants and rocks. Bacteria is compatible with biological filters and UV lights. Microbe-Lift works well with activated carbon and is compatible with copper based products. "

johnike · 02/26/2011, 06:13 AM

Nitrates for sure, and leathers will often go through a slough period as well.

02/25/2011, 06:21 PM	#4
Sugar Magnolia Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Northern VA Posts: 17,691	Yep, the nitrates are to blame. Do a series of water changes every other day to bring that level down into an acceptable range...ideally zero. __________________ Adrienne The only thing to fear is fear itself....and spiders.

02/25/2011, 07:16 PM	#6
Sugar Magnolia Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Northern VA Posts: 17,691	I'm not sure what "special blend" is, but water changes and routine cleaning of mechanical filtration is all that is needed. __________________ Adrienne The only thing to fear is fear itself....and spiders.

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02/25/2011, 05:50 PM	#2
Virtuoso Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 727	Still very new myself, but I think those nitrates are too high. And I think the phosphate should be closer to 0. When was the last water change? I would wait for someone more experienced to comment before doing anything, though.

02/25/2011, 06:13 PM	#3
WXB Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 258	you want your Nitrites down to at least .02 do a water change and use Special Blend to bring down the levels. The problem is sometime people add too much too soon. usualy having a tank set up for 6 months and slowly add things to get the cycles going. but use the special blend its natural and you can add as much as you want and it will not hurt your tank at all it says to add then turn off your lights for 24 hrs. just add at night and it will be fine. add 40% more than what it says due to saltwater needs more. hope it helps. make sure it has plenty of space around it. some times corals just stay hidden. some days my green star poylps will just eat and hide out for a few days then come out with no problems. just keep up on your water for the first year.

02/25/2011, 06:29 PM	#5
WXB Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 258	in a 75 gal tank do about 5 gal maybe every 4 or 5 days for 3 changes then add the special blend series for a good week. when it says add then after 8 days add more add then add more 4 days later not 8 days.

02/26/2011, 12:46 AM	#7
WXB Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 258	special blen is " special blend aquarium bacteria" here is what the company says I love this stuff they say " A complete Eco-system in a bottle. Dramatically reduces the need for cleaning and water changes. The chemical free formula is ideal for both salt and freshwater fish. Works as a new tank starter for biological cycling and boosting as well as a biological maintainer for established tanks. It is an organic waste degrader that naturally stimulates plant growth. Removes odors and clears cloudy water. Breaks down residue on gravel, plants and rocks. Bacteria is compatible with biological filters and UV lights. Microbe-Lift works well with activated carbon and is compatible with copper based products. "

02/26/2011, 06:13 AM	#8
johnike Moved On Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Bureau County Illinois Posts: 5,406	Nitrates for sure, and leathers will often go through a slough period as well.