Leather frequently shedding help

[joeybemate]

I got this toadstool leather coral about a month ago and ever since I got it it has been going through cycles of shedding - it will withdraw all its polyps for about four/five days, then shed, and then within 24 hours it will withdraw its polyps again. This cycle has happened maybe 5 times - is this unusual? Have any of you experienced this before? I keep it at the top of my live rock which ends about 2/3 of the way up the tank. I have 6 ATI lights.

 

[Xxero]

I have a 65g display; I also have a 6 bulb ATI light fixture; and I also have a Toadstool coral that I've had for a couple of months now. My Toadstool went through the same thing whenever I placed it about 1/3 of the way up my rockwork or higher. I finally placed it down on the sand in a corner of the tank where it receives steady medium flow and the lowest light possible. After this move, the Toadstool has been happy and growing ever since.

You might try moving the Toadstool down to the lowest point, and slowly moving it up from there. Don't underestimate the power of T5 high output bulbs. Especially a 6 bulb in a 65...it's pretty intense.

HTH :bigeyes:

 

[joeybemate]

True thanks heaps for the info I'll move it down right away!

When you say slowly move it up again do you think it will be able to be in the position it's in now if I take it slow or should I just always keep it in low light/med flow conditions?

 

[CindyK]

I have a 6 bulb T5 fixture with ATI bulbs over a standard 75 gal and both my leathers are happy on the bottom. They are in enough flow to keep the polyps waving.

Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk

 

[themagicman]

Assuming the lighting is sufficient and your parameters are within reason, these corals like a lot of light and A LOT of chaotic flow. Especially if the base is secure. That trunk that they have was built for some wave action IME.

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

 

[themagicman]

Assuming the lighting is sufficient and your parameters are within reason these corals like a lot of light and A LOT of chaotic flow. Especially if the base is secure. That trunk that they have was built for some wave action IME.

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

 

[themagicman]

woops...

was trying to edit my original post. (not yet)

 

[joeybemate]

Assuming the lighting is sufficient and your parameters are within reason, these corals like a lot of light and A LOT of chaotic flow. Especially if the base is secure. That trunk that they have was built for some wave action IME.

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

So if they do like high lighting and flow, what do you think the issue with mine is? My lighting is in my original post and parameters in my signature

 

[joeybemate]

Here is a picture of it

 

[joeybemate]

I think the edit button might be turned off for this thread or something but I wanted to edit this into my above post - in the photo above the coral is just emerging after five days of being withdrawn. Shortly after this, it withdrew its polyps into itself again.

 

[Xxero]

True thanks heaps for the info I'll move it down right away!

When you say slowly move it up again do you think it will be able to be in the position it's in now if I take it slow or should I just always keep it in low light/med flow conditions?

There would be no harm in moving it down to the bottom in medium to high flow. Leave it there for a couple of days and see what happens. If the Toadstool cheers up and remains that way, then there is your answer. If after the move it remains in its current state, then there is your other answer.

All creatures are different; even within their own species. All tanks, bulbs, water conditions & parameters are different as well. It doesn't sound like yours is happy where it is at. I would try moving it and see how it responds. Mine went back to normal immediately after the move, and it has remained that way since.

In regards to slowly moving it up, trial and patience would be the key. The Toadstool will let you know what it likes. First, get it happy again and then leave it alone for a week or so. Then try moving it up a few inches and see how it responds. If it's still happy, then leave it alone for a week or so. etc, etc.

For what it's worth, I also tried to place a Kenya Tree coral in that exact spot where my Toadstool was unhappy. The Kenya Tree also retracted and remained that way. My bulbs were pretty new at the time.

Good luck! :bigeyes: