Zoas melting away at first... no Shrooms as well...

[Gaspipe]

A few months (~2), I’ve noticed my zoas starting to melt, especially a section of the island where Halley Berries were dominating, so I initially didn’t think much of it. After they began to clear, I noticed some other types of zoas starting to spread, or maybe I could just see them better due to the open space. However, now those zoas are melting as well.

On top of that, lately my mushrooms are starting to melt too. I have a dedicated branch rock for them, and the lower (as in under the branch, little light) portion has started to show signs of melting.

In both cases, I’m seeing a white, cloudy mold or sponge residue left behind.

For context, I’ve been dosing Kalk at 550 ml daily for a long time without issues. The only change I’ve noticed is that my nitrates are now at an all-time high. Historically, they’ve been below 5 ppm and often under 3 ppm.

All my other corals are doing mostly fine, except one encrusted

who seems to have cycles. That's for another rant.

Any insights into what could be causing this melting, or recommendations on how to address it?

 

[stewy14]

@ISpeakForTheSeas @Jay Hemdal @vetteguy53081 #reefsquad

 

[vetteguy53081]

A few months (~2), I’ve noticed my zoas starting to melt, especially a section of the island where Halley Berries were dominating, so I initially didn’t think much of it. After they began to clear, I noticed some other types of zoas starting to spread, or maybe I could just see them better due to the open space. However, now those zoas are melting as well.

On top of that, lately my mushrooms are starting to melt too. I have a dedicated branch rock for them, and the lower (as in under the branch, little light) portion has started to show signs of melting.

In both cases, I’m seeing a white, cloudy mold or sponge residue left behind.

For context, I’ve been dosing Kalk at 550 ml daily for a long time without issues. The only change I’ve noticed is that my nitrates are now at an all-time high. Historically, they’ve been below 5 ppm and often under 3 ppm.

All my other corals are doing mostly fine, except one encrusted

who seems to have cycles. That's for another rant.

Any insights into what could be causing this melting, or recommendations on how to address it?

I in the picture actually see sponge which will irritate the zoas and other things that upset them are high phosphates, low salinity, too much light and even at times flow. If you are adding NoPox, that too can impact them. Occasionally dust them by giving them occasional Gentle bursts with a turkey baster and adding iodide which they convert to iodine.