Burned Coral

[miken]

Over the weekend I had a 400 watt metal halide bulb break while plugged in over the tank. The filament stayed lit. I'm guessing it remained like this for 5-6 hours until I noticed some of the coral in the top 1/3 of my tank closed up or shedding mucus. I'm guessing this is a burn from the halide not being as shielded as it was when the glass was around it.

The coral suffering are green star polyps, a moon brain, and assorted acropora. The green stars withdrew and have been withdrawn for several days, the moon brain sloughed off alot, the acros seem like they are bleached on the parts that were exposed mosty to the light.

My question is has anyone experienced this and what did you do to help these animals recover from the burns. I personally think the moon brain is a lost cause, but the coral that could withdraw I am hoping come back.

Thanks,
MIKE

[JimD]

Personally, Id probably keep all but the actinics off for a few days to allow the corals some recovery time, or at least drasticly reduce the halide photo period... If the damage isnt too great, most should recover in time...