Issue with Monti Caps

[Rybren]

I have four Monti-Cap colonies. In three of the four, the corals are experiencing a loss of tissue. The forth seems fine - for the moment.

From my research, it seems as though the most likely culprit is the Monti-eating nudibranch; however, search as I might, I just can't seem to see any (or any other organism on them). I've looked using a magnifying glass both with the lights on, and with a flashlight after the lights have been off for a while.

Any suggestions? I've attached a few pics.

Thanks.

 

[Rybren]

Oops, wrong forum. Mods - if possible, would you please move this thread to the SPS forum?

Thanks

 

[AndyH5512]

If you have the nudis, they usually hide on the underside of the coral. If you can remove the caps, flip them over and check the bottom. It seems easier to see the nudis if you keep the coral in the water, as the nudis sway in the water current.

If it is not nudis, it could be Alk swings. I have noticed that when my alk swings too much, my caps are the first to show signs of being displeased.

 

[Rybren]

Thanks. Alk has been holding steady between 8 and 9 dkh for the last couple of years, so I don't think that this is an issue.

I will try to pull one of the colonies to look for nudis.

 

[Jeremy Blaze]

I was about to say ALK as well.

How about Mag?

And like said above look under for nudis, and look close, they can be tough to spot.

Looks like a real nice tank BTW!

 

[Rybren]

I'll keep looking for the nudis. Mg is pretty steady at 1350. Talking to an experienced local reefer, he seems to be leaning more toward some type of bleaching event. If he's right, I'll have to find the cause and try to reverse it.

Thanks for the comment on the tank.

Here's a FTS as of last night. The Greenish Monti on the top right seems to be unaffected - for now.

 

[pimp2daizzo]

whts your mag at?

 

[MammothReefer]

#1 I'd say mag I'd try testing with a different kit, number 2. Are you a non-water changer? If so do some big water changes, or if you are a water change guy did you change your salts at all lately? I had very similar problems with my tank and Red Sea Coral Pro, switched to IO and fixed it the issues. 3rd issue I'd look at is voltage had a heater break on me it caused alot of issues with my tank montis were the first to show signs.

and i know at some point somebody is going to say potassium, but water changes should take care of that alone unless you are a zeo user.

Great looking tank, and that's not nudis. Nudis destroy things in localized areas starting at the edges in.

 

[Reef Bass]

The pattern of tissue loss looks very nudibranch caused to me. As others have said and I have experienced, nudis like to hang out on the underside and come over the edge of the rim to dine, often creating little trails and clearings in the flesh much like what I see in the first pic. Plus they are small and can be tough to see.

 

[Rybren]

I'll try to pick up a different set of test kits. I've been using API kits (and Red Sea for Mg) for years. All tests are less than a year old.

I do 5 to 10% water changes on a weekly basis using RC salt. I've been using this salt since day 1.

The only change I recently made was to start running biopellets. I started in October with 100ml in a media bag under my skimmer output. Over the Christmas holidays, I started running the pellets in a Phosban 150 and upped the amount to 200ml. My total water volume is 80-90G. The problems with the Montis have accelerated since I started with the reactor. There was one small area on one colony that had been an issue since the fall, but since it was heavily shaded, I figured that was the cause.

Thanks for the comments on the tank.

 

[fishguy597]

Never used bp but that would be my guess.People have a ton of problems when first starting them up from what I have read.
In my tank when my monties start fadding like that I change my lights and that does it for me. Good luck.

 

[dirtyBit]

Completely unsubstantiated but I have read on another thread that someome started using biopellets and started having trouble. It wasn't until he lowered his alk (like high 7's) that his tank stabalized. Something about running the pellets makes the water more like NSW and needs lower alk. Just thought I'd throw that in there.

 

[Jeremy Blaze]

Great looking tank!

 

[Rybren]

Thanks

 

[Reef264]

Looks like what mine were going through when I had Monti Eating Nudi Branches.

L.ooks
E.xtremely
D.ope

^
About your tank!

 

[Jeremy Blaze]

What is the large coral in the center with the vertical branches?

 

[Acropolooza]

I would say nudi's but if there are not any eggs then..

 

[Rybren]

What is the large coral in the center with the vertical branches?

I take it you're talking about the yellow one. It's a Birdsnest (at least, that I was was told it was when I bought it)

I cannot find a single Nudi or egg cluster - I've searched every sq inch with a magnifying glass.

 

[Jeremy Blaze]

Yeap, thats weird birdsnest, do you have any close up pics of it?

 

[jay2525]

For what its worth I think your tank looks awesome! Good luck.