Hammer skeleton deteriorating

[Matt Bravo]

I really need help, I noticed small things that were sticking out of the hammer so I decided to dip it. That’s when I saw the skeleton was starting to look different then last week. Please I really need help, it looks great but this is really worrying me. But at the same time it’s growing a new head. What’s going on


Dkh 9
Mag 1309
Calc 440

 

[Matt Bravo]

@vetteguy53081 i normally don’t reach out to people but I’ve seen you are knowledgeable. Please help

 

[vetteguy53081]

I really need help, I noticed small things that were sticking out of the hammer so I decided to dip it. That’s when I saw the skeleton was starting to look different then last week. Please I really need help, it looks great but this is really worrying me. But at the same time it’s growing a new head. What’s going on


Dkh 9
Mag 1309
Calc 440

View attachment 3120785 View attachment 3120786

Calcium is important for their skeleton but reading appears good. I see what looks like clatharina sponge and can be carefully scraped off

 

[Matt Bravo]

Calcium is important for their skeleton but reading appears good. I see what looks like clatharina sponge and can be carefully scraped off

Is my calcium ok? Is the sponge what is causing the skeleton to deteriorate? Thanks for helping

 

[vetteguy53081]

Is my calcium ok? Is the sponge what is causing the skeleton to deteriorate? Thanks for helping

Calcium if accurate is good (400-450)
Assure phosphate not eleveated and coral is in an area of moderate light and water flow. if the tissue on the skeleton continues to recede, consider giving it a dip in a lugols iodine solution for 10-15 minutes.

 

[Matt Bravo]

Calcium if accurate is good (400-450)
Assure phosphate not eleveated and coral is in an area of moderate light and water flow. if the tissue on the skeleton continues to recede, consider giving it a dip in a lugols iodine solution for 10-15 minutes.

The picture i showed has poylp recession?

 

[vetteguy53081]

The picture i showed has poylp recession?

Not polyp recession but the tissue on skelton. Right now its safe
Here is skeleton on one of mine as you see, the skeleton is uniform in color and texture

 

[Matt Bravo]

Not polyp recession but the tissue on skelton. Right now its safe
Here is skeleton on one of mine as you see, the skeleton is uniform in color and texture

View attachment 3120903

They look great tbh. So should I actually worry about the skeleton? Or how can I fix it?

 

[vetteguy53081]

They look great tbh. So should I actually worry about the skeleton? Or how can I fix it?

I would keep an eye on it- not terrible

 

[Matt Bravo]

I would keep an eye on it- not terrible

So when should I worry? Or what are the main things that start happening when the coral is not doing so good?

 

[Matt Bravo]

I would keep an eye on it- not terrible

Also I’m worried that it’s looking a bit like early stage of polyp bail out since the hammer has 2 puffy sides. Could that be a possibility?

 

[Matt Bravo]

Also do you know why the hammer coral sometimes looks like this at the end of the day?

 

[vetteguy53081]

Also I’m worried that it’s looking a bit like early stage of polyp bail out since the hammer has 2 puffy sides. Could that be a possibility?

Puffy is either stress or sign of splitting
Typical parameters:
Salinity 1.025-1.026
Temp 76-79
Ph 8.1-8.3
Nitrate <15
Phosphate .04 -.08
Ca- 400-450
Alk 8-10
Mag 1300-1400

These are ranges

 

[vetteguy53081]

So when should I worry? Or what are the main things that start happening when the coral is not doing so good?

Brown jelly substance
Separation of polyps from skeleton

polyps should be waving gently and not vigorously and moderate light heavy in blue
Lower third of tank seems to be a happy spot

 

[Matt Bravo]

Puffy is either stress or sign of splitting
Typical parameters:
Salinity 1.025-1.026
Temp 76-79
Ph 8.1-8.3
Nitrate <15
Phosphate .04 -.08
Ca- 400-450
Alk 8-10
Mag 1300-1400

These are ranges

Everything is on point except for phosphate, they are def higher then what is best .25 to .50 sometimes does running carbon lower them? I don’t want to add chemicals if I’m being honest

 

[vetteguy53081]

Everything is on point except for phosphate, they are def higher then what is best .25 to .50 sometimes does running carbon lower them? I don’t want to add chemicals if I’m being honest

Water changes, less fatty foods and smaller feeding help. Also you can add Chemipure blue or elite to reduce levels

 

[Matt Bravo]

Water changes, less fatty foods and smaller feeding help. Also you can add Chemipure blue or elite to reduce levels

What’s the main difference between blue and elite? Also it’s a low stocked tank just a small royal gramma in there, no cuc. I’m actually kind of surprised by the fact that nitrates has bottomed out so I had to dose them. But how could nitrate be undetected while phos stayed high?

 

[vetteguy53081]

What’s the main difference between blue and elite? Also it’s a low stocked tank just a small royal gramma in there, no cuc. I’m actually kind of surprised by the fact that nitrates has bottomed out so I had to dose them. But how could nitrate be undetected while phos stayed high?

Elite has GFO for quick reduction of phosphate