Coral Disease?

Umiami24 · Oct 1, 2020

Hey Everyone,

I'm new to reefing (and Reef2Reef!) and am currently at the stage of introducing corals to my tank (no fish yet, just some snails and conch). I added a Paly colony, a purple ribbon gorgonia, ricordia, montipora, and gsp back on September 12. Before introducing them I drip acclimated them and dipped them in Coral Rx. The montipora, gorgonia, and ricordia are doing great (growth on the gorgonia and ricordia, and polyp extension on the montipora) but my gsp and palys look like they may have some kind of disease/pest that I haven't been able to identify. Some paly polyps look brown and velvety (while the rest look great and healthy), and the gsp has something sticking out the top and some odd markings on the bottom of it. I tried to take the best pictures I could. Any advice or info would be great!

My current parameters:
Ammonia: 0 ppm
Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: 2 ppm
Phosphate: 0 ppm
Calcium: 450 ppm
Alkalinity: 10.6 dkH
Magnesium: 1350 ppm
Salinity: 1.026 d SG
pH: 8.1
Temperature: 78F

My Tank Setup:
RSM E-170
AI Hydra 26 (running Saxby HD lower power setting)
Vortech mp10 (x2)
Tunze ATO
Cobalt Thermometer
Filter Floss in Media Basket

WIReefer · Oct 2, 2020

I would start by raising your no3 and PO4 a bit with your Alk that high. What test kits are you using?

725196 · Oct 2, 2020

Good morning. I am not thinking this is a disease. Although it is hard to tell from the pics it is more likely a “hitch hiker” of some sort. (Someone with better eyes maybe able to tell you more.).

I want to say Thank you for listing your ACTUAL parameters! That is refreshing to see, especially from a new reefer. One comment I have on that is you need some phosphates in your tank. Some to help the corals to grow. It is suggested that you have between.03-.08. However, according to a recent BRS video there may be wiggle room in the higher end... no one knows for sure.Anyway good luck my friend.

Umiami24 · Oct 2, 2020

Thank you both for your replies! In order to raise my NO3 and PO4 should I start dosing my tank with something like Plus-NP from Tropic Marin, or by ghost feeding?

I'm currently using Red Sea's Marine Care Test Kit and Foundation Test Kit, and I use the Hanna checker for phosphate (I also have a pH pen to double check my pH test readings).