Leather slumping!!

[loans_n_fishes]

My leather has been so happy, but yesterday and today he wasn't out as much as he had been before. Today, he was leaning against the filter intake, so I moved his rock over so he wasn't leaning on anything. He came out and seemed happier. However, I noticed that he is a little paler at the base. Well, tonight he is slumping again. Any ideas? My clownfish still love him...should I move him to my other tank to give him a little peace, or will that just stress him into oblivion? Please help! He's my favorite coral. :unsure

[C.Mydas]

Leathers 'shed'..I dunno the 'real' name of it. It might be growing...leave it be so you dont stress it out, but definately keep an eye on it. Are you running carbon on the tank?

[loans_n_fishes]

Yeah, actually I am. This is the 10 gal I set up until I get my 30 gal ready. It has a HOB whisper filter (I think for up to 90 gal or so...it's a biggie). It may need the carbon replaced though. As I understand, the carbon loses its power more quickly in saltwater. It has been in there for around 3 weeks.

If he is growing, do I need to add some extra flow? It only has the filter, but it was giving decent flow for him before due to its large size.

[GaryP]

They just do that occasionally. Whether its shedding or something else. Don't worry about it. Its natural. That toadstool did the same thing in my tank.

[loans_n_fishes]

Glad to hear it is probably normal. He is sitting up now and starting to come out. Do I need to up the flow to help him "shed"?

[loans_n_fishes]

Just so everyone knows... Gary told me so!! ;) The leather is doing well. He does appear to be ever so slightly bigger. (Maybe it's just the power of suggestion.)

[DaneDodger]

Glad to hear it! My leather is a pain in the tush usually too. One day it'll be all spread out, relaxed, and very pink then the next day it's scrunched up on itself, very dark, with icky slimey brownish stuff shedding off of him. I just use whatever's at hand to blow him off a little to help out and he always seems fine. I'm so glad I started with a tough coral!
Jenn

[falcondob]

The first time my leather did it I thought I had killed it. Posted here and they told me the same thing. It's over a year old now...