Somebody help!!! My corals are melting away ...

[Derek B]

It started with a cup coral. Took a good 6 weeks, but it finally was gone. It's not RTN, but maybe STN (slow tissue necrosis). Is there anything that can be done because my Pink Pocillipora, Purple Montipora and a few Acropora frags are showing signs. Someone help. If I lose all my corals, I will probably give up the hobby for awhile.

[Derek B]

Haven't really tested much. I know it is not a ammonia issue. I probably have some Nitrate and Phosphate and silicates, but that stuff won't kill corals like this. I think it is a stony coral disease bc my softies (leather, Xenia) , clams etc are thriving.

[Derek B]

2 250 watt XM bulbs that are about 6 months old. I have cut back on the phyto feeding though. Maybe they are in need of that?

[Jimnorris]

PHONE CALL ON THE WAY.
Jim

[JimD]

Have you done a water change lately? If so, what kind of salt was used?

[TexasState]

Chemically, cup corals are very bad for SPS. If the tissues from the cup corals float to the SPS, it will kill the SPS where ever they touch.

[Derek B]

Vinh,

Maybe allowing the cup to melt away contaminated the water? It's been gone for a month now and still having problems. Just going to wait it out and start fragging if I have to.

[matt]

I'd frag off any affected tissue and run a huge carbon filter, and do a series of fairly big water changes. At least then you're doing what you can to prevent further spreading. I'd also check out the chapter on coral disease in the Borneman book; there might be some helpful info there. There are probably some coral medications you might use as a dip, but I'd be pretty careful with it.

[Derek B]

Check on the water changes. I am doing that. By carbon filter, what do you mean? Like a Magnum filter?

[Instar]

Use a good high grade of activated carbon in a bag, in a canister filter, in a holder made for something you have, or laying over a floss pad on the shelf of the sump if it has one for that. Carbon should be in something that the water runs thru or is pumped thru. Load whatever chamber you use with a small amount first that you have rinsed in RO water. Too much carbon at first load can shock the tank too. After the tank is filtered thru that carbon for half a day, add some to it till you are up to full load in whatever container you use. After a week, change that carbon to all fresh new carbon. Always rinse the dust off it first.

[OrionN]

Do water change. 50-80% water changes several times will help. Make sure the salinity and temperature are matched.
What is your tank maintanace schedule? Add anything to the tank? Test the water parameters.
You can also frag and board your coral to a friend's tank.
good luck.
Minh