Hole in leather coral

[mickeyfish]

I have read this is the coral reproducing, but I wanted to make sure. Is this leather splitting off? If so, do I extract the new pieces and secure them on rock or a frag plate some place or leave it be to float around and find a home?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[mcgyvr]

Its reproducing itself..

Once it drops off (or now if you want to cut it with scissors)..
Just grab the piece and attach to whatever you want..
You can simply use a rubberband (don't apply too tight as you cut through it) or just super glue gel to secure it to the rock until it grabs hold itself..

 

[mickeyfish]

Ok all, it has been 2 weeks since the last post on this and about 3 pieces came off and I made frags of them. Those are doing well. The original coral however has been in a molt and is starting to have a brown tinge to it. This has been going on for 7 days. All other corals are thriving.

Will it bounce back?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Uncle99]

Leathers, shrimps and gorgonians do best when the iodide level is maintained in the .03-.06 range. Remember that iodide. (Not iodine)

In this range beneficial, over that range can kill....

Assuming your environment is on point ...It should bounce back fine.....

 

[mcgyvr]

The coral looks just fine to me..
No just give it time and it will likely just shed a layer of skin to clean itself off and come right back out like normal..

The splitting process is likely taxing on its energy level and it just needs some time to recover.. And leathers certainly do that from time to time.. Give it time.. its ok

 

[mickeyfish]

I have no plans to do anything other then wait it out, but this coral looks worse every day. There is a layer of brown / green algae covering it and my hermits are all over it now.

Any advice?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[mcgyvr]

wait it out...

 

[Uncle99]

That's starting to not look right to me.
How old is this tank?

While my leathers divide, retract their polyps, Your getting a brown algae on it and mine stay clean....

Will this stuff blow off with a turkey baster?

 

[AlSimmons]

When my Toadstools used to sulk increasing the amount of flow they were receiving usually helped. Once they have a secure base these corals are pretty strong and can withstand those stronger currents. This chaotic flow also helps with the shedding process and keeps the coral free from algae, detritus etc.

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2013/3/corals

 

[mcgyvr]

That's starting to not look right to me.

IMO its still fine..
If its not just melting in front of your eyes its fine IMO.. And if its melting its gone in days or less..

I've had a cabbage leather that has been closed up/covered with brown fur algae or some sort and even started to have turf algae growing on it..
It had been like that for almost 2 months and I just let it be..
Then last week it shed a nice fat later of skin and looks beautiful with not a sign of algae anywhere glowing as bright a green as I've ever seen..

 

[Bent]

That looks more like a devils hand than a leather coral to me.

Mine looks like that about 90% of the time

 

[AlSimmons]

I've had a cabbage leather that has been closed up/covered with brown fur algae or some sort and even started to have turf algae growing on it..
It had been like that for almost 2 months and I just let it be..

Mine looks like that about 90% of the time

This is not normal IME. When all of the corals needs are being met shedding, algae growth, poor polyp extension etc should not happen that much. (if any) It might bounce back given time, but flourishing in all it's glory is what it should look like 99% of the time. GL.

 

[mcgyvr]

This is what it does look like 99% of the time.. It just goes through a grumpy stage every few months.. This last time was the longest.. Its usually just a week or so max.. In fact it was even starting to get eaten by Asternia stars,etc... too.. but its all healed up and pretty again..
https://www.amazon.com/photos/share/L5JlIWPzMJ5Pl89LLh1qKLga217SQqs5W8WZFSVcfFX
(someone let me know if that link works please.. first time I'm trying to share photos from there on this site)

 

[mickeyfish]

Update. Great news everyone. Today the coral shedded a very thick brown layer and appears to be opening up.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[AlSimmons]

Sweet! :thumbsup:

Keeping it that way is the trick though.

 

[Bent]

Beautiful little guy.

 

[mcgyvr]

I knew it would be fine..

 

[AlSimmons]

for awhile perhaps... Time will tell.

I guess if it doesn't turn into chalk or turn black it's a good thing though.

 

[mickeyfish]

Coral seems to be splitting again. Could it be unhappy in this spot? Is the powerhead above it too much flow?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Bent]

That’s a devils hand, it will do that constantly.