acropora coral trouble

[adamRS80]

I just noticed today that one of favorite acroporas is dying. I don't know if there is a difference between dying and bleaching but the tissue is actually dissappearing on a coulple areas of this coral. This happened with another coral in the same area of my tank and I tried to frag it but it didn't make it...it was pretty small though. Here is a photo of whats happening. Ca, Alk, salinity, and Temp are all normal. Everything else in the tank seems to be doing fine. This coral has been in the same place and nothing has changed for over a year. I removed the coral and placed it at the bottom of my tank. Anybody have any ideas on what I can do? Please help.

[adamRS80]

other pic

[oliver]

I have a similar piece (A. valida or A. cerealis) and have had several similar episodes. In general, if you see that happening on a piece of acropora, it is generally history. With this species, I have had that happen to me and the process actually stopped on its own. If I was you, I would break off a few pieces which are totally free of the problem and glue them to some rock in a different section of the tank - just as a precaution. If you notice that the dead area is progressing, then you may try removing the coral and dipping it in RO water for about a minute, or if you are less brave, try some of the commercial coral dips. If the process is spreading quickly, then you will have little hope of saving the coral. If it is going very slowly, then there is a good chance that it will stop on its own. Good Luck!! Let us know what happens!

[VGB]

I have seen this happen in shaded areas...I wouldnt worry too much much unless the bleaching/die-off is rapid. However some acros will just peter-out no matter what you do.

Try to move it to a better lighted area.

[Bigreefer]

I've read of this on Reef central. A few seem to blame it on metal built up over time.

Do you run Carbon? I'd have to see that beautiful acro die. If you ever frag it, please give me a holler!

Jason

[reefer]

what about........... limpets?
as in a keyhole limpet? could this damage seen on this coral, also be caused these critters, and generally misidentified as bleaching? they seem to be a common critter in alot of tanks, and generally go unnoticed. they are good at eating algea, but the also munch on corals. now, i don't know what kind of damaged the can do off-hand. but from what i see in the pic, it looks like most of the damage is near the base.....
i would consider fragging a last ditch effort to saving it if it is bleaching. its coloring is awesome! but, if you do, give me a hooler too!
8)

[adamRS80]

I fragged the whole dang thing. I don't know what a limpet is but I'd sure love to so I can search my tank for them. I've had a coupe of other frags that seemed perfectly healthy do this all of the sudden and I really don't think there is anything wrong with my tank because the other corals are flourishing and growing well. It'll be a while before these frags are big enough but I fragged it almost two days ago and the frags seem to be doing fine so hopefully they'll all make it. Any more information on what this could be would be great. I'd hate to have to frag another great coral in the future because of something I can't pinpoint.

[hachomachoto]

The necrotic tissue is in the shade which I wouldn't worry about. Acros are a little sensitive and can slough off tissue without warning. It's not bleaching, this occurs at the tops not the shaded ares. It has good growth around the base and seem healthy in general. RTN is fast! If it was RTNing it would probably be dead by now. The acros that RTNed on me doubled each day in dead tissue. Most of the acros in my tank have had a small dead patch appear on them overnight only to regenerate soon after. Its a fine piece though, where did you get it?

[adamRS80]

Well unfortunatly I've already fragged the coral into a bunch of pieces but it looks like they're all going to make it so I guess I'll have 5 of these corals. I got it from Dr.Mac Corals. I've ordered corals from a number of difference places and I think he offers really great stuff. Everything I've gotten from him has lived. I will say that some of the prices might seem a bit high but he often has frag specials like 10 for $120 or something like that.