RTN Bottom up on SPS

[klondike4001]

I've had multiple corals RTN from the base upwards, and it seems to be happeneing to serveral at a time now, I usually cut off the "good" parts and reglue those and the problem is solved w/ those corals. But I'd really like to know what is causing it.

All parameters are within the accepatable range.

[clone]

maybe tempature swings, i had many go because of that.

[klondike4001]

constant 79 degrees.

[hobogato]

alkalinity? i see recession at the base when alkalinity runs low. elevated phosphates can cause it as well. the other thing to look out for is redbugs or AEFW.

[lt1z28]

Could be low alk. I just had 3 acro colonies rtn from the base up due to low alk. I lost one of my favorites the ORA Australian Delicate Staghorn I got from you :(

[klondike4001]

I tested alk 3 times yesterday, it's right where it's supposed to be. I've been checking daily for redbugs, not them, and AEFW I don't think so, the tissue death is all wrong for them, usually when I pull a coral out to cut the base off I pull the rock too, so believe me, I've been checking. I tested Phosphates too, 0, my phosban reactor's media is only about 3 weeks old. I'm not kidding when I say I'm checking everything, PO4, Nitrates, nitrites, alk, pH, Mag, Calc, Salinity, everything is great. And before you ask I've been checking my pH multiple times a day, and it is a little lower in the am about 8.2, but I know that's normal.

lt, believe it or not, that's one of the colonies I had RTN, so I've got something like 30 frags of it. If Ace comes to see my tank when he's down in Houston in a few weeks, I'll send him back w/ a frag for you.

[aquasport24]

Possible bad test kit, try to use a different test kit. Or it can be flow too. I had a couple frags with the same problem, cut it and placed in a better flow area then it fine. It usually the frag that does not have any encrusted at the base that more suitable to RTN and STN.(IMO).

[klondike4001]

The corals go right back to thise original places after I cut off the dead parts and seem to be happy as can be. I'll go get another test kit today and try alk again.

[JeffCo]

Can you post any pics?

[klondike4001]

I'll get some pics up later tonight, I bought a new alk and mag test (mag was expired)


New Readings:

dHK = 9.3
Mg = 1050

Already added mag, do you guys think my dKH level can hurt the corals?

[klondike4001]

By the time I got back to my tank the lights were out already for the night, I'll get pics and post them tomorrow

[lt1z28]

Alkalinity is within the acceptable range so I don't think that would be the cause. Another frag of that staghorn would be nice! Thanks for the offer!

[klondike4001]

Here are the pics...

#1 Efflo Base
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b194/klondike4001/IMG_1519.jpg

#2 A. Valida Base
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b194/klondike4001/IMG_1522.jpg

#3 ORA Rose Milli Base
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b194/klondike4001/IMG_1524.jpg


Since Alk is where it's supposed to be... anymore ideas?

[apedroza]

I get the same thing happening on my sps. Usually on corals that get very little light on the base.

[klondike4001]

yeah, but the light on the base of the valida, isn't the flash, that's a 250W mh, so... new problems? Doesn't look like AEFW, but I'm not sure anymore, nothing else fits.

[reeferRob]

I had the same thing happen to me this weekend, I originally thought AEFW, but I still have not seen 1, no red bugs, All parms good, dkh 11.5 Ca 450 temp 75-76 SG 1.025 Mg 1350 I did have to raise the Mg last week but it wasn't that low.

So far lost over half my tenius, and some dead spots at the base of a samoensis, and 2 unknown acros.

I did switch salts at the beginning of July when I replaced the tank from IO to Red Sea Coral Pro, thinking of switching back?


Rob

[klondike4001]

I switched salts, but have only used the new salt but once. Any that was in May, I fould another 2 water changes worth of my old salt when I packed and moved.

I'm really at a loss.