ghost-like slime web coming from devils hand leather coral

[tiflyche]

Can anyone help me identify some major questions? I am new to reefing an keep a close eye on my tank. This appeared in less than 12 hours.

1) is this actually a Devil's Hand Leather Coral
2) Is this polyp extension that is begging
3) What are the "feather duster" like tube laying on the coral
4) What is the ghost-like slime or film with a we-like flow attached on the coral
5a) Are any part of the images a concern or need special treatment or attention
5b) If so, how to I correct the situation

 

[RioReefr]

I have a very large Devil's Leather Coral.

This is somewhat normal behavior. It kind of goes into a protective-mode if water parameters change or if there a lot sand kicked-up (by my PITA Damselfish).

It should close up, all little polyps will retreat, it forms like a cocoon, then glosses over, then eventually shed its "skin". For me the start to end timeframe is about 4-5 days, then it looks normal again.

Mine is actually in the last stage. Its because I thoroughly cleaned the tank on Saturday.

If it keeps re-curring then you have water parameter troubles. In my case, I would say mine does this about every 4-6 weeks.

 

[AlSimmons]

What your seeing is just the corals way of cleansing itself of algae, detritus etc. Sometimes increasing the amount of flow the coral is receiving keeps the shedding to a minimum. FWIW the one I have seems to prefer moderate lighting a whole bunch of chaotic flow.

 

[tiflyche]

Tank and parameters

Tank and parameters

This coral is new to my system. My system is approximately two months new. The cycle is complete with steady water parameters tested weekly. Water changes of 15% every other week.

Parameters are tested with API, refractometer, pH/salinity/TDS (Eutech Instruments)

Salinity 1.026
pH 8.0
KH 9-10 dKH (161.1-179.0 ppm)
Nitrite 0 ppm
Ammonia 0-0.25 ppm
Phosphate 0-0.25 ppm
Calcium 400-420 mg/L
Nitrate 0-5 ppm
Temp 78.2 - 78.6 F

60 gal tank. Reef Octopus skimmer HOB marineland emporeor biowheel filtration with carbon and filter media. 2 powerheads: one 800gph near filter and 1600gph head near skimmer.

 

[TheCamaroShow]

normally they are pretty hardy, have you dipped it recently?

 

[tiflyche]

I did a quick freshwater dip after purchase

 

[RioReefr]

IMO, if it is a new coral then it is just adjusting to the water parameters.

As others have said, they are very hardy. Probably just detritus or sand that got onto it. Take a plastic pippette and make sure is clean of any debris.