SPS losing polyps rapidly for no apparent reason...

[utreef]

I've had an orange digi for about 8 months now and it's been growing like a weed. Suddenly this week it started losing polyps toward the end of its tips. The only change to my tank has been a new perc. clown, so I doubt that's it. Also, I did clean coraline off the glass with a razorblade.

All my other SPS are open and healthy looking, with one exception an ORA birdsnest that's near the orange digi - its polyps aren't fully open anymore over the same time period.

Anyone know what could be causing this? I'm considering fragging a healthy portion in an attempt to save it if I can't halt the deterioration - thoughts on that?

Tank:

12 gallon jbj
150 watt 14k MH Sunpod
76-82 degrees
1.025 salinity
0 nitrates

Been doing a 1 gallon WC every other day for a week to try to kill off some turf algae as well.


UPDATE: monti frag on other side of the tank is also now missing about half its polyps (from this morning, it had all of them) - don't see anything physically on any of the coral.

[caferacermike]

Do you know what the ALK is? Do you dose? You might have a case of RTN, rapid tissue necrosis, death. I've saved some by applying super glue over the skeleton at the end of the flesh instead of fragging. Still need to figure out what is going on.

[utreef]

I don't have a test for AK... I did does a drop of Lugoils a week ago, have done 3 1 gallon water changes since then. If it is RTN, what should I do?

[utreef]

Did PH4 test - 0.

[utreef]

Also, forgot to add the following:

Been running Phosban (just took it out)
Started adding a drop of Roti-Feast every other day two weeks ago. Had a SPS I got at the LFS start sliming off (it turned slimy brown near edges and worked its way inward) a weeks ago, removed it after noticing two days of this sliming activity.

[caferacermike]

If your PH or alkalinity are off it can be like keeping your corals in acid. Some can tolerate it, some can't. I used to try and keep my ALK over 12, PH 8.4, SG 1.026, and calcium at or above 420ppm. Different test kits measure ALK or DKH, same test 2 different scales. Using B Ionic daily can really help keep these stable. A CA reactor (when working) is even better). Also check that your tank is not running over 82F.

Try and search Hobogato's way old thread about flatworms/treatment. You may find some of the information about saving SPS helpful. You may find that you added a creature.

[greenmako]

If your PH or alkalinity are off it can be like keeping your corals in acid. Some can tolerate it, some can't. I used to try and keep my ALK over 12, PH 8.4, SG 1.026, and calcium at or above 420ppm. Different test kits measure ALK or DKH, same test 2 different scales. Using B Ionic daily can really help keep these stable. A CA reactor (when working) is even better). Also check that your tank is not running over 82F.

Try and search Hobogato's way old thread about flatworms/treatment. You may find some of the information about saving SPS helpful. You may find that you added a creature.


Ditto!

[Bill S]

He's doing a 10% water change every other day - that should keep Alk within reason. Might be something out there....

[wwarriner]

Have you changed the flow or has the sps grown into direct flow? Too much flow directly on an sps coral will cause it to RTN.

[wwarriner]

It happened to my pink milli and I just broke off the tip that RTN about an 1 inch below the death and its fine and is growing again just fine after I redirected my flow.

[utreef]

I did an alk test - was at 7. I did a 3 gallon water change and broke the dead tips off the digi. We'll see what happens... Also got some B-Ionic to maintain levels in the future if that turns out to be the problem.

[caferacermike]

The best part about the B Ionic is that you will only be doing good by adding it. It'd be difficult, and almost intentional over dosing, to do any harm.