Dying Closed Brain Coral

[Shaka Zulu]

At a seminar with Anthony Calfo I picked up an auction frag of Closed Brain Coral that he had cut with a wet-saw during a demonstartion. It seemed to do well for the first few days, but now is losing the flourescent green algae between the ridges at a quick pace. It is secreting some mucus also, it appears. I am worried this poor thing is dying. All of my basic water parameters are normal as are temp and salinity. The lighting is not optimal but good.

Is this a normal condition after fragging or is this thing in real trouble? Any suggestions? Will the symbiotic algae grow back? What should I do to save it?

Many thanks...

 

[Lotus99]

How far up in the tank do you have it, and under what kind of lights?

I'd move it to a more shaded location to allow it to recover.

 

[scotmc]

Looks like it's getting bleached by your lights

 

[Shaka Zulu]

Thanks... I only have it under 6500K and 420nm flouresents for now, but I did temporarily perch it up higher closer to the lights.

I'll move it down to an 18" base level and see how it does. Another local guy recommended spot feeding, but I'm not sure if would apply to this "ailment".

 

[Lotus99]

If it will accept food, I don't see any harm in spot feeding it a few times a week. It often helps "sick" corals to recover.