My first coral is dying, not sure why :-(

zap999999 · 07/20/2006, 12:42 PM

I'm not sure what kinda of coral it is, so I'll describe it. It looks like a small tree with anonome like orange tentacles streaming out. At the tips are "flowers". At night the tentacles go inside the branch, and then as the light comes on they come back out.

Anyway, the tentacles are not coming out as far anymore, before they woudl come out I'd say 3 inches, now it's about 1 inch. I'm worried it's health is fading.

Stats
ph = 8.4
nitrite - 0
Nitrate - 15
Hardness - 425
Potasium - 0.10
temp - 79F

Livestock
100 pounds live rock
yellow tank
yellow strip clownfish
6 peppermint shrimp
20 snails in sand (forgot name)
20 snails on rocks/glass (look like little pryamids)

Any Ideas?

mr pink floyd · 07/20/2006, 12:51 PM

what kidn of lighting? flow?

nitrate is high,

sometimes corals close up for a littel while, how long has it been in?

it sounds like a kenya tree?

google it

zap999999 · 07/20/2006, 01:23 PM

Lighting is 320w powercompacts
Flow is main filter at say 600gph with head pressure + 120 powerhead on other side of tank.

I'ts been closed up for a few days.

It's not a Kenya Tree coral as far as I can tell, none of the pictures look like it.

physicslord · 07/20/2006, 01:28 PM

Sounds like a Nepthea. those are hard to keep period. Not an easy coral even for experts. Take it back to the store and get your money back from the guy.

Do some research and get a beginner coral.

MCary · 07/20/2006, 01:33 PM

Extension of polyps are not a sign of good or poor health. It may be a symptom of something wrong or nothing at all.

J4Life · 07/20/2006, 01:42 PM

Nitrates aren't bad either, but undectable is always a plus. A picture really is required in order to help with this.

Thanks,
Bill

MCary · 07/20/2006, 01:46 PM

Is this a sun coral?

zap999999 · 07/20/2006, 01:46 PM

Yeah I'm going to get a pic when I get home, I'm "working" right now ;-)

rooroo · 07/20/2006, 02:19 PM

Sounds like a flower pot coral, or gorgonia (sp?). I think someone else said the same thing earlier. Does it look like this?

This isn't my pic, I just did a google search and linked to the first pic I found. Bad me for hot linking.

zap999999 · 07/20/2006, 02:25 PM

YES!!! It's a flower pot coral, or gorgonia! That's it :-D

rooroo · 07/20/2006, 02:28 PM

Yeah they're really tough to take care of. I'd take it back to the store and get your money back. Like someone said above, even experts have trouble keeping them.

Rendos · 07/20/2006, 02:38 PM

Power compacts over a 48" tall tank? Is any light getting to the coral?

MCary · 07/20/2006, 02:48 PM

Not gorgonia, goniopora. Very difficult to keep. Low to moderate flow and moderate lighting. Eats very small food, non photosynthic. Cyclopeeze is too large, to give you some idea. If the polyps don't come out then it can't eat. Most die from stavation and is first noticed by the coral receding from the bottom up as the lower polyps die. I believe the natural home is in lagoons with lots of stuff floating in the water.

DragonFish · 07/20/2006, 04:05 PM

Is this for real? A 48" tall 60 gallon tank would have dimensions somewhere around this:

Tank Length = 24 inches
Tank Width = 12 inches
Tank Height = 48 inches

physicslord · 07/20/2006, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DragonFish
Is this for real? A 48" tall 60 gallon tank would have dimensions somewhere around this:

Tank Length = 24 inches
Tank Width = 12 inches
Tank Height = 48 inches

Actually it is weird. the tank would have 100lbs of live rock in there to boot and he has a tang in there. Unless that thing swims vertically, it's going to be really bored.

McCrary · 07/20/2006, 08:06 PM

He probably means a 48" tank that is tall, rather than a tank that is actually 48" tall.

zap999999 · 07/21/2006, 10:25 AM

I have a standard 55 gallon tank, that is about 6-8 inches taller than a normal one. Thanks for all the help.

zap999999 · 07/21/2006, 10:32 AM

SO what can I do to feed it? I'm sure it's starving now, the polyps on the bottom are not out at all.

I'm sick of this LFS selling me things that are "easy".....

cristhiam · 07/21/2006, 11:48 AM

is it on the floor? I have mine on a rock, this prevents from the small ones to die and infect the coral. I use phytoplankton, zooplankton, cyclopeeze but I don't target feed mine, doen't seem to hold anything. I have it close to 2 years now. I had the same problem too the LFS said it was easy, so far it's been. They like low light and medium flow. good luck

zap999999 · 07/21/2006, 11:49 AM

http://www.centralpets.com/animals/f...s/swi1701.html

Yeah def it. reading up....

Peter Eichler · 07/21/2006, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by zap999999
SO what can I do to feed it? I'm sure it's starving now, the polyps on the bottom are not out at all.

I'm sick of this LFS selling me things that are "easy".....

That's why people need to do research BEFORE they buy something. Also, it's not starving, it's most likely dying from other complications.

J4Life · 07/21/2006, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Peter Eichler
That's why people need to do research BEFORE they buy something. Also, it's not starving, it's most likely dying from other complications.

Personally I think zap999999 has been informed enough. No need for anymore chastising. Let's try and help now. We have all made mistakes in this hobby so unless he who is without fault cast the first stone, leave it alone.

zap999999,
Check out the article I have pasted here.

http://www.reefs.org/library/article/r_toonen20.html

Rob Toonen is a great source for these types of corals and their care. Also be sure to get a proper ID on the suspected coral. It is quite possible you could have another species such as an alvepora. Spelling might be off. Finally if you really are going to try and keep this coral you might want to feed Golden Pearls in the 5-50 micron size range. You can purchase them from www.brineshrimpdirect.com

If I recall correctly per one of Rob's articles Goni's due better in nutrient rich waters so skimming might not be a good idea or if maybe just skim less than normal.

HTH's,
Bill

zap999999 · 07/21/2006, 12:48 PM

It jsut burns me up that the LFS sells these things. And gives no advice other than "easy to care for". I depend on them to give me something easy.

They also were upset I bought an RO/DI unit in response to my potasium level being at 1.2-1.8, which they said prob killed a small sea grass I bought. They said I can do more harm by using RO water (not sure what I believe anymore).

The fact is I PAID THEM 300$ to set the tank up for me. They filled it with the water, and the shop is a mile away, so they have the same water. Why sell it to me and not tell me about the potasium?

This tank I thought was well planned, and I have the money to make it right, and get what I need to get. But my source of advice is annoying, it's like I have to ask the LFS the right questions, and I dont' know the right questions as a begninner.....

physicslord · 07/21/2006, 12:57 PM

Sounds like you just need to get some good reading:

Borneman "Aquarium Corals" should sort out the easy corals from the ones you should not buy. Do not take advice from the LFS. May be okay, but most are not as knowledgible as they should be.

Delbeek and Sprung "The Reef Aquarium" volume 3. This should give you the basics. RODI is a must and will not harm your tank. Most people's tap water has too much chlorine and in some cases ammonia and other nasties.

Peter Eichler · 07/21/2006, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by zap999999
It jsut burns me up that the LFS sells these things. And gives no advice other than "easy to care for". I depend on them to give me something easy.

They also were upset I bought an RO/DI unit in response to my potasium level being at 1.2-1.8, which they said prob killed a small sea grass I bought. They said I can do more harm by using RO water (not sure what I believe anymore).

The fact is I PAID THEM 300$ to set the tank up for me. They filled it with the water, and the shop is a mile away, so they have the same water. Why sell it to me and not tell me about the potasium?

This tank I thought was well planned, and I have the money to make it right, and get what I need to get. But my source of advice is annoying, it's like I have to ask the LFS the right questions, and I dont' know the right questions as a begninner.....

I have yet to see a LFS that doesn't carry species that are doomed in just about everyone's aquarium. Sadly it's a part of the business and many of these shops will have no qualms telling you something is hardy when it is in fact anything but.

Here's a link to an old list I made to help newer hobbysists avoid certain fish and inverts. One of these days I'll refine it and organize it better... But I hope it can help you in some way.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...hreadid=323406

07/20/2006, 12:42 PM	#1
zap999999 Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: New York Posts: 19	My first coral is dying, not sure why :-( I'm not sure what kinda of coral it is, so I'll describe it. It looks like a small tree with anonome like orange tentacles streaming out. At the tips are "flowers". At night the tentacles go inside the branch, and then as the light comes on they come back out. Anyway, the tentacles are not coming out as far anymore, before they woudl come out I'd say 3 inches, now it's about 1 inch. I'm worried it's health is fading. Stats ph = 8.4 nitrite - 0 Nitrate - 15 Hardness - 425 Potasium - 0.10 temp - 79F Livestock 100 pounds live rock yellow tank yellow strip clownfish 6 peppermint shrimp 20 snails in sand (forgot name) 20 snails on rocks/glass (look like little pryamids) Any Ideas?

07/20/2006, 01:28 PM	#4
physicslord Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Santa Cruz Posts: 469	Sounds like a Nepthea. those are hard to keep period. Not an easy coral even for experts. Take it back to the store and get your money back from the guy. Do some research and get a beginner coral. __________________ a border collie is my pilot animal Current Tank Info: 12 gal. JBJ nanoDX, BB, 2x24W PC lighting, JBJ ballast, Maxijet 400 powerhead, Hagen Tronic 100W heater, Red Sea 60 skimmer with Hagen Elite 802 pump.

07/20/2006, 01:42 PM	#6
J4Life Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Winston-Salem, NC Posts: 1,397	Nitrates aren't bad either, but undectable is always a plus. A picture really is required in order to help with this. Thanks, Bill __________________ Go Panthers! Got JC? <o)))>< Current Tank Info: 75 gallon, Reef tank

07/20/2006, 02:38 PM	#12
Rendos Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 5,380	Power compacts over a 48" tall tank? Is any light getting to the coral? __________________ Richard Rendos - Founder WTMRAC It can't rain all the time. Current Tank Info: 92 gallon corner bowfront

07/20/2006, 08:06 PM	#16
McCrary Can't Stop Time Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,079	He probably means a 48" tank that is tall, rather than a tank that is actually 48" tall. __________________ Matt Patience is the best remedy for every trouble. Titus Maccius Plautus (254 BC - 184 BC), Rudens

07/20/2006, 12:51 PM	#2
mr pink floyd Moved On Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: west hartford, CT Posts: 3,480	what kidn of lighting? flow? nitrate is high, sometimes corals close up for a littel while, how long has it been in? it sounds like a kenya tree? google it

07/20/2006, 01:23 PM	#3
zap999999 Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: New York Posts: 19	Lighting is 320w powercompacts Flow is main filter at say 600gph with head pressure + 120 powerhead on other side of tank. I'ts been closed up for a few days. It's not a Kenya Tree coral as far as I can tell, none of the pictures look like it.

07/20/2006, 01:33 PM	#5
MCary Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Hardin, Montana Posts: 3,142	Extension of polyps are not a sign of good or poor health. It may be a symptom of something wrong or nothing at all.

07/20/2006, 01:46 PM	#7
MCary Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Hardin, Montana Posts: 3,142	Is this a sun coral?

07/20/2006, 02:19 PM	#9
rooroo Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: New Market, MD Posts: 406	Sounds like a flower pot coral, or gorgonia (sp?). I think someone else said the same thing earlier. Does it look like this? This isn't my pic, I just did a google search and linked to the first pic I found. Bad me for hot linking.

07/20/2006, 02:25 PM	#10
zap999999 Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: New York Posts: 19	YES!!! It's a flower pot coral, or gorgonia! That's it :-D

07/20/2006, 02:28 PM	#11
rooroo Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: New Market, MD Posts: 406	Yeah they're really tough to take care of. I'd take it back to the store and get your money back. Like someone said above, even experts have trouble keeping them.

07/20/2006, 02:48 PM	#13
MCary Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Hardin, Montana Posts: 3,142	Not gorgonia, goniopora. Very difficult to keep. Low to moderate flow and moderate lighting. Eats very small food, non photosynthic. Cyclopeeze is too large, to give you some idea. If the polyps don't come out then it can't eat. Most die from stavation and is first noticed by the coral receding from the bottom up as the lower polyps die. I believe the natural home is in lagoons with lots of stuff floating in the water.

07/20/2006, 04:05 PM	#14
DragonFish Unregistered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Pleasant Prairie, WI Posts: 1,988	Is this for real? A 48" tall 60 gallon tank would have dimensions somewhere around this: Tank Length = 24 inches Tank Width = 12 inches Tank Height = 48 inches

07/21/2006, 10:25 AM	#17
zap999999 Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: New York Posts: 19	I have a standard 55 gallon tank, that is about 6-8 inches taller than a normal one. Thanks for all the help.

07/21/2006, 10:32 AM	#18
zap999999 Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: New York Posts: 19	SO what can I do to feed it? I'm sure it's starving now, the polyps on the bottom are not out at all. I'm sick of this LFS selling me things that are "easy".....

07/21/2006, 11:48 AM	#19
cristhiam Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Groveland, FL Posts: 3,099	is it on the floor? I have mine on a rock, this prevents from the small ones to die and infect the coral. I use phytoplankton, zooplankton, cyclopeeze but I don't target feed mine, doen't seem to hold anything. I have it close to 2 years now. I had the same problem too the LFS said it was easy, so far it's been. They like low light and medium flow. good luck __________________ 2 yellows tail damsels, yellow watchman goby, tail spot blennie, purple pseudocromis, starry blennie, 2 clowns, 1 black clown, mandarine & Yellow tang Current Tank Info: 125 AGA, 3 40W 6500K, 3 110W URI Actinics, running on 2 IceCaps 660, CSS125

07/21/2006, 11:49 AM	#20
zap999999 Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: New York Posts: 19	http://www.centralpets.com/animals/f...s/swi1701.html Yeah def it. reading up....

07/21/2006, 12:48 PM	#23
zap999999 Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: New York Posts: 19	It jsut burns me up that the LFS sells these things. And gives no advice other than "easy to care for". I depend on them to give me something easy. They also were upset I bought an RO/DI unit in response to my potasium level being at 1.2-1.8, which they said prob killed a small sea grass I bought. They said I can do more harm by using RO water (not sure what I believe anymore). The fact is I PAID THEM 300$ to set the tank up for me. They filled it with the water, and the shop is a mile away, so they have the same water. Why sell it to me and not tell me about the potasium? This tank I thought was well planned, and I have the money to make it right, and get what I need to get. But my source of advice is annoying, it's like I have to ask the LFS the right questions, and I dont' know the right questions as a begninner.....

07/21/2006, 12:57 PM	#24
physicslord Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Santa Cruz Posts: 469	Sounds like you just need to get some good reading: Borneman "Aquarium Corals" should sort out the easy corals from the ones you should not buy. Do not take advice from the LFS. May be okay, but most are not as knowledgible as they should be. Delbeek and Sprung "The Reef Aquarium" volume 3. This should give you the basics. RODI is a must and will not harm your tank. Most people's tap water has too much chlorine and in some cases ammonia and other nasties. __________________ a border collie is my pilot animal Current Tank Info: 12 gal. JBJ nanoDX, BB, 2x24W PC lighting, JBJ ballast, Maxijet 400 powerhead, Hagen Tronic 100W heater, Red Sea 60 skimmer with Hagen Elite 802 pump.