FishDad2
Member
I'm not at all sure how the outbreak started, but it appears that a number of my acros are under attack from White Band Disease...or some approximation of it.
I've checked the water parameters and they're consistent with what I typically see in the tank ... pH ~8.15, dkh 9.5, temp 78.0 (+/- .2), ORP ~400, nitrate < 5ppm, and phosphate nearly undetectable. I've been running with these parameters for years and have maintained my diligence in tank maintenance. Carbon and PhosBan are changed every other week.
As well, it has been quite some time since I've introduced anything new to the tank and the corals showing signs of the disease are all ones that have been in the tank for a long time...most for several years.
In any event, I'm not sure what my options are and am seeking opinions.
At the moment, my plans are as follows:
1. Large water change....several more as time permits
2. Remove the troubled corals and subject them to a 15-20 minute dip in Lugol's Solution.
3. Any bits of these corals left behind on the rocks will be attacked with the business end of a screwdriver to eliminate future infection sites. Hopefully I can reach all of it.
4. Install a UV sterilizer ... while it won't help treat the affected corals, it may help prevent future outbreaks. I already own one, so why not install it ... at least until things are under control.
It's going to kill me to detach some of these corals from their homes, but I don't know what my options are. If I leave things as they are now, it's only a matter of time before my entire acro population is eradicated.
Advice please.
I've checked the water parameters and they're consistent with what I typically see in the tank ... pH ~8.15, dkh 9.5, temp 78.0 (+/- .2), ORP ~400, nitrate < 5ppm, and phosphate nearly undetectable. I've been running with these parameters for years and have maintained my diligence in tank maintenance. Carbon and PhosBan are changed every other week.
As well, it has been quite some time since I've introduced anything new to the tank and the corals showing signs of the disease are all ones that have been in the tank for a long time...most for several years.
In any event, I'm not sure what my options are and am seeking opinions.
At the moment, my plans are as follows:
1. Large water change....several more as time permits
2. Remove the troubled corals and subject them to a 15-20 minute dip in Lugol's Solution.
3. Any bits of these corals left behind on the rocks will be attacked with the business end of a screwdriver to eliminate future infection sites. Hopefully I can reach all of it.
4. Install a UV sterilizer ... while it won't help treat the affected corals, it may help prevent future outbreaks. I already own one, so why not install it ... at least until things are under control.
It's going to kill me to detach some of these corals from their homes, but I don't know what my options are. If I leave things as they are now, it's only a matter of time before my entire acro population is eradicated.
Advice please.
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