Gold torch not opening

[mattaytayan]

I bought this gold torch 3 days ago from a lfs and it hasnt full opened aver since, i dont really check parameter but i have other euphylia and they are all foing fine, does it always take a while to get used to a new tank?


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[Tripod1404]

I would check the parameters. If you LFS had his/her alk low and you gut the coral into a high alk tank, it can kill it.

Plus there seems to be tissue recession as the septa's of the coral look like they have no tissue on them.

[mattaytayan]

Originally Posted by Tripod1404

I would check the parameters. If you LFS had his/her alk low and you gut the coral into a high alk tank, it can kill it.

Plus there seems to be tissue recession as the septa's of the coral look like they have no tissue on them.

Whats the septa?



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[jlmawp]

Originally Posted by mattaytayan

Whats the septa?



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The bony fins that circle the top of the coral.

That thing does not look happy in the slightest. The one behind it isn't looking great either...

I think maybe it's time you start checking your parameters. It can only help you, and your corals. Your green hair algae seems a little out of control, which indicates excessive nutrients in the water. If that is normal for your tank, I'm willing to bet the big 3 (alk, calcium, magnesium) are also off from where they should be, which can cause serious problems for any stony corals.

[theshaman]

Sorry man but that torch looks like it’s on it’s way out. Is there too much flow blowing off all its flesh?


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[Pslreefer]

That’s one dead torch and you have no idea what your parameters are? Wow...

Not to mention the horrendous amount of algae in the pic. Time to do more research on the hobby!

[mattaytayan]

I just got some gfo to take care of phosphates, and for the other parameters, too much money for test kits and supplements, i honestly dont have the money for that AT ALL.


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[Pslreefer]

But you have enough money to buy a gold torch?

[mattaytayan]

Originally Posted by Pslreefer

But you have enough money to buy a gold torch?

I saw it at the lfs for $30 so of course i got it


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[Pslreefer]

Originally Posted by mattaytayan

I saw it at the lfs for $30 so of course i got it


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Well salifert test kits would cost about that much. But look at it this way, you spent $30 and have a cool dead torch to show off!

[mattaytayan]

Originally Posted by Pslreefer

Well salifert test kits would cost about that much. But look at it this way, you spent $30 and have a cool dead torch to show off!

Yup! Ill probably take some coral and leave them at the lfs for recover with there near perfect systems until i can get my tank together


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[mattaytayan]

I have a 5g system, what if i just do a big 75% waterchange? I honestly havent done a change in 2-3 weeks


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[Pslreefer]

A water change certainly could help, but if you don’t know your parameters then you do not know what is your trying to fix.

[mattaytayan]

Originally Posted by Pslreefer

A water change certainly could help, but if you don’t know your parameters then you do not know what is your trying to fix.

All i have is test for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate and i tests saturday and there all pretty much 0


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[Tastee]

I’m sorry, but this isn’t a cheap hobby if you want to keep corals. Particularly some LPS and definitely all SPS. I have been in it for 12 months now, went in with my eyes open but are still happy I have deep pockets. I found the initial expense is in two parts - the initial investment in equipment and the second investment in time and money to make and learn from mistakes. I am hopefully over that now and the ongoing running costs won’t be too much. I am still a wet behind the ears 1 year old reefer however.

Good equipment costs quite a bit but pays back in time and money in the long term. Good quality consumables (test kits, salt, additives) also cost money but pay back in reduced (but not zero!) problems.

It sounds like your test kits are not good enough quality (API?). I initially used them for Phosphates and Nitrates but found they were nowhere near enough for what I needed, so I now use Red Sea kits. I did use Red Sea kits for Alk, Ca and Mg initially as I knew I needed good quality ones, but didn’t realise at the time I needed to know PO4 and NO3 better. After that mistake (which cost me a Torch like you) I learnt. My target range is ~0.02 ppm PO4 and ~1 ppm NO3. API can’t measure that low.

You also need to measure regularly to get to know the ‘feel’ of your tank. If you aren’t dosing with a dosing pump this is even more important. I dose with an Apex and test at least weekly, twice when I can particularly when I am adding to my tank, or something is not going swimmingly. This is on top of the 24x7 tests the Apex gives me. Many reefers I follow test even more often.

If you want to be successful at corals I’m afraid you need to invest more time and money in test kits, dosing solutions and other items. Do what I did and read as much as you can. Also ask questions in the forums, but do your research first. I personally don’t want to waste the time of all the helpful experienced reefers we have on these forums with dumb questions I could answer myself with a little bit of effort and research.

If the investment is beyond your means at the moment then I suggest you stick to FOWLR and a few hardy leathers and then branch back into more delicate species once you do have the time and money to do it right. Whatever you do, good luck.

Regards, Brad.


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[homer1475]

hmmm 30$ for a coral, or 50$ for a proper test kit(red sea reef foundation which has the big 3) to keep said coral alive.



I would have ponied up the extra 20$ before I bought a coral that will more then likely die because I have no idea what my water is and if that water can sustain a living thing.



Unfortunately when you get into corals this thing we call a reef gets rather expensive. You don't have the money for test kits and supplements, then you should probably stick to FOWLR.

[sde1500]

Originally Posted by Pslreefer

Well salifert test kits would cost about that much. But look at it this way, you spent $30 and have a cool dead torch to show off!

You could do with going a little easier on them. Multiple posts berating them sure drives the point home, but I doubt it makes them feel welcome or desire to continue participating here. I'm sure you've never made a mistake, or had a coral die on you, but others have. Others have made spur of the moment decisions and purchases that have not worked out. Things happen.

FWIW OP, I don't check parameters much either. However, I've not added any new coral to my tank in some time. Obviously the point has been driven home, but if/when you plan to add things, knowing numbers of the tank its coming from, and your tank help with easing the transition on a delicate coral. They typically are pretty resilient to some changes, but too much of a swing will have poor results as seen. I'd also recommend not forgoing with water testing unless the tank really is running smoothly. That would mean corals all growing, extended happily, and probably a bit less algae present.

[Uncle99]

What is that next to your torch? (Looks like a torch)
Torches pack a great sting, I keep a 6" minimum circle around my torches.
At night, they can send out stinger cells quite far. I can see at least one stinger in the pic, the smaller one, lower right, looks a bit like a mal formed polyp.....not......
Just a thought....just an idea.......