Dying Colt Coral?!!??!!??!!

[snarkes]

Alright... this is getting to be too much. I've been battling a hair algae outbreak for the past few months (smaller feedings, regular waterchanges, phosban reactor)... and now my colt coral is dying? I left for LA last Tuesday and everything was fine. I come back on Friday and the Colt coral looks horrible. its not extended and it is sagging towards the bottom of the tank? My roomate was here to take care of the tank while I was gone... which he's had to do numerous times before so I dont think he did anything bad... especially since all he had to do was feed.

I've had this coral for over a year now and despite any issues I may have had... this thing had always done well (more than tripled in size)

Any ideas of what could have happened? What can I do? Its still there, but its definitely pulling away from the rock and getting worse.

My params:

SG: 1.025
Temp 80-82
pH: 8
Alk: 6 (I know this is low, but its never been any higher the entire time I've had the tank... no matter how much reef builder I put in)
Cal: 400
Nitrates: 0

At this point I'd really like to save it if possible... no other casualties in the tank... really everything else looks fine.

 

[drummereef]

Well, the alk is low which you know. Corals are very sensitive to alk fluctuation imo. I would ditch the Reef Builder and use Arm & Hammer Baking Soda to raise the alk. Use the calculator below to help with dosing. How stable are your parameters day to day?

Reef chemicals calculator
http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/chem_calc3.html

Getting on a proper balanced additive is probably best in the long run. That way, with daily additions, it will keep your levels up and in balance which is key. I use Randy's 2-Part and my alk/ca/mag are spot always. Read this if you would.

How to Select a Calcium and Alkalinity Supplementation Scheme
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2003/chem.htm

 

[snarkes]

My parameters are extremely stable... the only thing that ever moves is the Calcium which I supplement.

I guess its the natural balance of my tank.. because no matter what I try to do to raise Alk or pH they stay the same.

Thanks for the calculator

 

[drummereef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10215373#post10215373 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by snarkes
My parameters are extremely stable... the only thing that ever moves is the Calcium which I supplement.

I guess its the natural balance of my tank.. because no matter what I try to do to raise Alk or pH they stay the same.

Thanks for the calculator

Unfortunately, there in an imbalance of your alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium at this point. This typically happens when trying to manually dose separate additives. Believe me, I was there.... I used to use Seachem products (Reef Builder/Advantage Calcium) before I knew what balanced additives were. It is probable that you aren't adding enough bicarbonate which will raise alkalinity. What you don't want to add is buffers that effect pH. That is why I suggest Arm & Hammer Baking Soda. Your pH is fine. 7.8-8.5 is acceptable. I highly suggest getting on a balanced additive that will raise alkalinity and calcium in equal proportions.

I use Randy's 2-Part additive. It costs me less than $20 per year to make/use it.

 

[snarkes]

Yeah the 2 part alk additive doesnt look too complicated... and definitely cheaper than all the Seachem stuff. I'll have to head to the store tomorrow.

Do you think that there is anyway to save the colt or is it probably too late? The base pulls away from the rock really easily (not trying to pull it away, just accidentally bumped it and some pull up).

BTW Thanks for the help

 

[drummereef]

You're welcome, anytime. Hard to say about the colt, but it can probably be saved as long as the params get fixed. I would do some water changes to normalize your levels, hopefully that will help it out. As far as the 2-part additives go, you can buy products like B-Ionic or make your own. I prefer to make my own because it's alot cheaper. Here's his recipe.

An Improved Do-it-Yourself Two-Part Calcium and Alkalinity Supplement System
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php

At the very least I would raise the alk immediately, as long as you know for sure your testing results are accurate. Again, Arm & Hammer Baking Soda and use the Calculator to aid in dosing.

Reef chemicals calculator
http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/chem_calc3.html