I think I messed something up.

[Webmanny]

Hey guys,

Idid a water change yesterday with some questionable salt that a friend at work gave me as Reef Crystals, but it looked a bit clumpped and different. I know, I know. I should not have used it.

Here is what I discovered today. One of my birdsnest is getting some white spots, my Goniopora-Encrusting Green is closed up and other LPS corals are looking dim.

I checked all params and they are all good, but I know there is something off that I don't have a kit to measure.

Also, I found that a magnet I had in the tan had part of the metal exposed and had some rust in there, which may also cause issues.

What do you guys think?

I already did a water change with new store bought red sea salt, but it may not be enough.

Before pics
Birdsnest

Goniopora

Today
Birdsnest

Goniopora

 

[MrHarvard]

Looks like RTN on the birdsnest buddy. How long did you wait to add the water after you mixed it? What was your salinity prior to and after you changed the water? What percentage of water did you change with the questionable salt and what type salt do you normally use?

 

[CuzzA]

Frag the birdsnest and keep and eye on the goni. Dip them both in iodine.

 

[Webmanny]

Looks like RTN on the birdsnest buddy. How long did you wait to add the water after you mixed it? What was your salinity prior to and after you changed the water? What percentage of water did you change with the questionable salt and what type salt do you normally use?

I agree with your prognosis. To answer your questions.

I waited 24 hours after mixing, salinity was 1.025 before and after, I changed about 15% and the salt I normally use is Reef Crystals from Instant Ocean.

Thanks for your feedback. Based on what I have read on RTN, there is very little I can do to save this frag. I will observe the frag for a few days to see what happens and keep everyone posted.

 

[CuzzA]

Here's another hypothesis... You mentioned the salt was clumped. I had some salt creep fall from my center brace and land on my Jedi mind trick monti and the tissue burned right off. It healed up after a dip, but maybe some salt clumps landed on those two corals.

 

[Webmanny]

Here's another hypothesis... You mentioned the salt was clumped. I had some salt creep fall from my center brace and land on my Jedi mind trick monti and the tissue burned right off. It healed up after a dip, but maybe some salt clumps landed on those two corals.

Good point. I will try the dip.

 

[Webmanny]

Just did the dip. Crossing fingers and hope for the best. I hope this does not become an expensive lesson.

 

[Webmanny]

Quick update.

Found the issue. It was not the salt, but the rusting magnet that was causing the issue. The only coral that I lost was the one closest to the rusting magnet. I did the recommended dip, 15% water change and of course removed the magnet.

Thank you to all that provided their suggestions.

 

[CuzzA]

Quick update.

Found the issue. It was not the salt, but the rusting magnet that was causing the issue. The only coral that I lost was the one closest to the rusting magnet. I did the recommended dip, 15% water change and of course removed the magnet.

Thank you to all that provided their suggestions.

Good to hear. I'd change out your carbon or add carbon to be on the safe side.

How's the birdsnest?

 

[Webmanny]

Good to hear. I'd change out your carbon or add carbon to be on the safe side.

How's the birdsnest?

Good point, I'm going to buy some carbon now just in case. The birdsnest has stopped losing tissue. I'm happy to see that, now is a waiting game to see if it bounces back.

 

[CuzzA]

Awesome. Glad to hear that.

 

[Webmanny]

A quick update.
The Birdsnest is slowly bouncing back. I can see some small portions of the lost tissue starting to get some color and a bit of tissue back. Also, the Gonipora is also getting back to normal, the polyps are extending some more and gaining back its natural green color.

By now, I have done three 10% to 15% water changes, dosed some reef accelerator, cleaned the canister filter and replaced the carbon and filter media on my canister.

For now it all looks good, I really can't stress enough to reefers. Do trust your magnets, go check them and make sure they are not rusting and leaking harsh metals into your tank. I almost lost all of my corals.

I was lucky and caught it in time, but others have not been so lucky.