SPS is growing at tips, but receeding around base?

[skibum9884]

So, I have an interesting problem. A few of my pieces seem to be growing at the tips, but receeding at the base.

Any idea what could cause this? Alk problems/instability? I don't believe it could be related to any red bugs or other pests. I'm not sure what to do because it appears part of the coral is happy, and another part is unhappy!

Thanks for any help!

 

[reefsurfing]

Alk problems/instability?
Thanks for any help!

A picture could confirm what you already stated; ALK swings would be my guess.

 

[mdb_talon]

From what i have read aefw could cause this.

 

[Alex T.]

I would check the alk swings personally. A point up or down is usually fine, but a swing that stays for a while past that comfort zone for a week or two has proved fatal to some of my SPS in the past. Most times when it's flatworms you'll see bare patches on and under branches as well as the base up recession.

 

[krazysps]

One of 2 things aefw or a alk swing. I would dip and start checking for aefw myself.

 

[skibum9884]

Thanks for all the help. I'm thinking alk issues. I'll work on stabilizing that. I have many wrasses in the tank (including a halichoeres), so I don't think I have any AEFW issues. I've also hit the tank with Flatworm Exit since my last addition as a preventative measure.

 

[krazysps]

Flatworm exit does nothing for aefw and your wrasses won't find them if there attached to corals fwiw I would take any Ill looking piece and dip it in revive for a few minutes and blast with a turkey Baster. Better safe than sorry my friend.

 

[sahin]

As krazysps says. Plus: blast the corals with a small powerhead or baster. If its AEFW's you'll see them fly off. I had a whole tank of 30+ SPS wiped out by feckin AEFW's a few months back.

It can be alk swings as well, so make sure you have your alk tested by at least two differant test kits just to be sure.

 

[DML08]

How big are your corals?? I noticed in my last tank that this would happen only on my bigger colonies, it wasn't AEFW or Alk Swings, it was just the fact that they were big and not getting enough Light and flow to its base...