LouH
LouH
I have a birdsnest coral colony that I've had for over 2 years. Several months ago it started to lose tissue due to the growth of what looks like green cyanobacteria. The cyanobacteria began to colonize deep in the branches of the coral, and eventually spread out toward the tips as the coral tissue receded. The cyanobacteria growth seemed to coincide with my moving a large Tunze powerhead. Prior to the move the Tunze's flow was directed over the top of the birdsnest. After the move the flow was directed right at the birdsnest. This particular Tunze is controlled by my Apex controller, and it pulses "on" for 4 seconds and is then "off" for 4 seconds.
My question is in regard to the link between water flow and birdsnest coral health. I've had several colonies of this coral type over the years, and every one seems to succumb to the same issue. Once the coral gets to be the size of a grapefruit, the inner tissue dies and the skeleton becomes colonized by algae or cyanobacteria. Is this due to not enough flow? Too much flow? Not enough light? High phosphate?
I have several cat's paw corals in my tank and they are doing fine although their color is definitely pale. The birdsnest color, by comparison, is really a nice pink color. It just happens to be losing a battle with cyanobacteria.
My tank is 18" deep and illuminated by three 250W Hamilton MH lamps (20K). which are changed annually. Nitrates are 0 and phosphate is 7 ppb. All other water parameters (Mg, Ca, Alk, salinity, temp) are in range.
Any insight would be appreciated.
Lou
My question is in regard to the link between water flow and birdsnest coral health. I've had several colonies of this coral type over the years, and every one seems to succumb to the same issue. Once the coral gets to be the size of a grapefruit, the inner tissue dies and the skeleton becomes colonized by algae or cyanobacteria. Is this due to not enough flow? Too much flow? Not enough light? High phosphate?
I have several cat's paw corals in my tank and they are doing fine although their color is definitely pale. The birdsnest color, by comparison, is really a nice pink color. It just happens to be losing a battle with cyanobacteria.
My tank is 18" deep and illuminated by three 250W Hamilton MH lamps (20K). which are changed annually. Nitrates are 0 and phosphate is 7 ppb. All other water parameters (Mg, Ca, Alk, salinity, temp) are in range.
Any insight would be appreciated.
Lou
