Can I save this coral?

marino420td

Premium Member
I got this coral from my lfs free because of the sad shape it is in. I thought I would try to save it. I think it is a favites abdita.

As you can see in the pictures below, the coral has some live spots on it. Can it be salvaged? What should I do to keep it alive? Right now it is under a 400w MH lamp with my frags.

mini-IMG_2745.jpg


This picture is after the MH went off. The tissue began to expand a little which is a good sign.

mini-IMG_2777.jpg


Should I cut off the bad parts? If so, what tools should I use to do this?
 
I would dremel the bad parts off really carefully and start with an all-live frag.. Besides, it will look better in your tank..
 
I would not touch it. My LFS had one that completely turned white and had no flesh left. He just left it in the tank. After several weeks the tissue started to grow back. After a couple months it had completely returned. I would acclimate it slowly to your lighting and then target feed every few days. Hope it will return for you.
 
I wouldnt hold your breath :(
Being in that bad of shape then being moved to another tank will more than likely prove to much for it. I hope Im wrong.

-Justin
 
Your best best is to leave it alone for now. Given top notch water quality and time you may be able to save it and frag it latter. With the tissue the way it is right now I would suggest moderate to lower water flow, and once it opens up and shows some feeder tenticals you can try and feed it.
 
I'd leave it in the same tank, not cut it up, and maybe move it to an area that is slightly darker. I know I've fried a couple brains under 400s.

When it starts growing again, then worry about cutting it up. Doing so now will only stress it more.
 
400 watt is way to high of light for it. Move it to a darker spot and DO NOT FRAG IT. This will only further stress the coral. Make sure it has gentle flow and maybe twice a wek dust it with some food. Other than that leave it alone.
 
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