Help me diagnose acro issue

[Syntax1325]

My tank has been set up for about 1.5 years without any real issues. I knew it wouldn't last and now I'm dealing with this unknown problem with some of my acros that I can't figure out.

Tank Specs are in signature

Parameters:

CA: 410
KH: 8.5
MAG: 1260
PH: 8.4
Salinity: around 36.5

I'm seeing two kinds of problems, both related to acros:

One problem starts with the decrease in polyp extension, then the corallites bleach and then the coral slimes from the corallites and it slows begins to stn... this can take weeks.

The other problem seems to start at the tips of an acro... the tips of the coral pale and the corallites release a 1/4" slimy strings (looks different than the typical slime after a coral has been out of water for a bit), this spreads slowly and eventually kills the coral. The strings come out more at feeding.... it's not the filaments, those are out all the time on the limeade... Right now the limeade looks really good besides the area of infection (I presume)

I do not have any red bugs or flat worms.

Here is the limeade:



Here's a view of the majority of the colony. Such a shame, it's a stunning coral.

 

[markalot]

Howdy,

Have you measured PO4 or NO3?

I just went through this and I still don't have an answer. Triton test showed lack of Zinc and some other trace elements along with very high PO4. Water changes seemed to be the answer, though I still lost a few pieces and continued to have some STN on the bases. I think the best answer when things like this happen is water changes using a low KH salt to avoid any spikes, or numerous small changes and reduce any dosing to keep KH stable.

Could you have had a KH spike because symptoms can appear days later and go on for a while. Depends on the tank and overall health of the corals, apparently.

 

[jason78]

By chance are you guys using reef crystals salt?

 

[Syntax1325]

Howdy,

Have you measured PO4 or NO3?

I just went through this and I still don't have an answer. Triton test showed lack of Zinc and some other trace elements along with very high PO4. Water changes seemed to be the answer, though I still lost a few pieces and continued to have some STN on the bases. I think the best answer when things like this happen is water changes using a low KH salt to avoid any spikes, or numerous small changes and reduce any dosing to keep KH stable.

Could you have had a KH spike because symptoms can appear days later and go on for a while. Depends on the tank and overall health of the corals, apparently.

I only measure Nitrates and Phosphates rarely.... p04 via Red sea typically tests between .03-.06... Nitrates via API are 0... I assume its between 1 and 2 maybe.

I have a Triton test in the works, just waiting for results.

I may have had some KH issue when my alk clogged about a month or so ago; however, I was having some issues before then as well.

It is very frustrating to watch nice colonies waste away.

 

[Syntax1325]

By chance are you guys using reef crystals salt?

I've been using Salinity Salt, never used anything else.

 

[March.]

I think your alk may be to high for your tank shoot for 7 for 2 weeks see if they recover

also I found carbon sometimes did this to me acros

 

[reefmutt]

I'd start with getting measurable nitrate levels and lowering alk a touch and see what happens.

 

[nemodan]

You wrote.....ALK ISSUES !!! a month ago.

I bet there is the origin. Every time, that I have Alk issues, generally a peak, I have the same problems as you described.

If you want take a look to the last pages of my thread and the pictures.


Best
Daniel

 

[Syntax1325]

You wrote.....ALK ISSUES !!! a month ago.

I bet there is the origin. Every time, that I have Alk issues, generally a peak, I have the same problems as you described.

If you want take a look to the last pages of my thread and the pictures.


Best
Daniel

Hi Daniel,

I never had my alk budge more than .5 in any given week... I don't think alk is the issue; however, anything is possible I guess.

 

[Syntax1325]

I think your alk may be to high for your tank shoot for 7 for 2 weeks see if they recover

also I found carbon sometimes did this to me acros

I'll give it a shot...

I recently removed my carbon due to some HLLE symptoms in my sailfin tang... tang is improving, maybe the corals will too.

 

[Syntax1325]

I'd start with getting measurable nitrate levels and lowering alk a touch and see what happens.

I would think that if my nitrates were too low then my colors would be off, they are not, colors are good to fantastic. My Bonsai is stunning. (knock on wood)

 

[Syntax1325]

Received my Triton test results back... thoughts?

A couple initial observations... My calcium and mag are higher than what my Red Sea Test kits are reading; however, it does make sense... My CA is reading about 410ppm and Mag is 1240ppm with my red sea kits. This higher calcium reading is making sense because I'm dosing uneven amounts of alk and calc because of my test kit readings... I'm currently dosing 95ml of alk and 125ml of CA (BRS mix).

I'm surprised to see how low my iron seems to be as well as Potassium... Maybe these could be contributing to my issues?

I'm using Salinity Salt

 

[Zukari]

I had this exact same issue for months. Got my ALK to 7.8 and now I finally have growth and stable colors.

 

[33yrplus]

If it's only one or two small branches I would cut them off a 1/4" away from the start of the damaged area.

 

[MichaelW]

I had been interested about sending a sample to triron for testing. On their site it said something bout no more testing? It was kinda hard to follow. Did you do this recently? And if you could give me a quick run down of what to do that would be awesome. Thanks.

 

[MichaelW]

I think I'm doing this all wrong actually ... Where did you go to get the triton rest?

 

[markalot]

I think I'm doing this all wrong actually ... Where did you go to get the triton rest?

Buy it online at Unique Corals.

They send you a packet.

Register at the Triton site and it will give you a number.

Fill the 2 vials, stick the labels on the vials with your number on it.

Make sure to put postage on the envelope and include the plastic card provided inside.

Wait impatiently for 5 to 10 days.

 

[MichaelW]

Buy it online at Unique Corals.

They send you a packet.

Register at the Triton site and it will give you a number.

Fill the 2 vials, stick the labels on the vials with your number on it.

Make sure to put postage on the envelope and include the plastic card provided inside.

Wait impatiently for 5 to 10 days.

Ok great now I understand it better... Also saw it for sale on Amazon... Be the same thing right?

 

[Syntax1325]

accidental post

 

[markalot]

Ok great now I understand it better... Also saw it for sale on Amazon... Be the same thing right?

Yep, too bad it's not Prime'able. I thought Unique had an exclusive deal to sell the test but apparently not.