Green Finger Leather/Sinularia dying

[los.tejanos83]

Added this leather to tank 2 days ago, remains limp as if it's not going to make it...any suggestions? It's the only leather in tank, so nothing else to compare to.

[corruption]

How big of a tank, and how many other corals in there, and how mature is the tank? Could be an allelopathy battle or maturity issue... most likely, being 2 days in its still adjusting... try moving it to somewhere with a different amount of flow and/or light than its currently in :)

-Corruption

[Mr Cob]

A pic would help too. As Corruption stated maybe it's still adjusting. If so...moving it again will just prolong the process and possibly stress it more.

Give us some more details to help you better.

[allan]

Hey Tejano,

I have a leather finger coral in my tank, had it for some time. In my last tank it was always erect and leathery. When I put it in my new tank it fared poorly, always limp and 'withdrawn'. Pete (ping) came over to the house and he asked about flow around the leather.

Apparently they secrete a film that should be blown off by the current. In the low current area that I had it in there was almost no flow (for my other softies). I redirected a power head and within and hour or so there was a large sheet of film or thin layer of jelly coming off the guy. Now, not only is he erect but there are a thousand little white polyps sticking out of it.

Check flow as corruption mentioned above, that is what cured mine. Dude, you ever want come over and talk shop let me know. I think a few of the things you're experiencing I've been through in the recent past and can explain readily if given the opportunity.

and we can drink some beer...

[txav8r]

Mine has taken up to a week to shed it's film and become reinflated. I'd say check the flow as stated above and give it some time.

[los.tejanos83]

Allan / TXAV8R,

I'll definitely take pic tonight. Mine has some a stringy web-like slime/film oozing near the base. It's definitely limp (the leather).

I've placed at bottom of tank to ensure it has unobstructed view of lights...will redirect water current if necessary. When i drop small food pellets into tank they definitely, there is definite movement as they float to bottom.

Allan, may have to take you up on a visit to talk shop, see your tank/setup, and learn how i can improve on what i've got.


Angelo

[allan]

Anytime brother.

[los.tejanos83]

Sorry for the bad picture, my photographt stinks. Grn finger now has some black tips on it. Moved to mid-lvl of tank for improved water flow.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af277/los-tejanos/th_IMG_0395.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af277/los-tejanos/th_IMG_0396.jpg

[dmweise]

How much flow is in that area? It seems fine to me, it just looks a little swept.

[stoneroller]

Looks fine to me, it's just sucked up tight, getting used to the conditions. I suspect it'll open up soon enough.

[dmweise]

Mine does something similar from time to time. You may want to check the rock for some tub worms or vermatid nails. They will excrete a mucus that will make the leather look like it is trying to get away from the rock... like what yours is doing.

[los.tejanos83]

when i lifted off the sand bed, i didnt notice any worm-like presence, but then again, i only know what bristle worms look like and them are some pesky sob's. :bareteeth:

if it remains limp after another two days, i redirect current some more and check for the tub worms or vermatid nails...what do they look like?

[Europhyllia]

Are you running any kind of phosphate absorbing media?
Most of the phosphate media either use iron oxide or aluminum oxide. The aluminum ones especially can be pretty toxic to leathers. Just a thought.

[allan]

Additional thoughts to bear in mind, not to do with the health of the finger but its current placement. You will disturb it each time you clean the glass with it so close like that. My not be a worry and definitely not something you can't remedy.

[los.tejanos83]

I dont think i'm using phosphate absorbing media, unless it's contained in the supplements i dose with (Reef Builder, Bio-Calcium, Essential Minerals).

The leather has been moved to mid-level in the tank where there is increased current...no longer against the glass.

Thanks for the continued feedback. The leather is slightly more erect but i see a little more discoloration and more mucus secretions.

Angelo