Floppy Colt Coral

[kronin]

Hello,
I have just had a large Colt Coral delivered, and It isnt looking too good at the moment.
Its pretty big, I suppose the branches are about 9inches long- and arrived attached to about a kilo of lr.
Its stayed in pretty much the same form as It arrived. Completely slouched over and looking pretty limp - although It smelt fine, and the flesh looks healthy.
I was just wondering If I should be worried at all? As now, after about 5 hours in the tank it still hasnt budged.
I would understand that It wouldnt open up if there wasnt enough light - but Its got 2x175wt metal halides running over it - so I would of thought that would be ample light. Im reluctant to shift it around, to see If its happier in another spot - as I think this may stress it out even more.
So is there anything I can do? Should I be worried - Or should I just sit tight and see what the morning brings ?

 

[jacksonpt]

Colt are pretty hardy, and don't require tons of light. You're 2x175 should be fine. You said you just had it delivered, correct? And that it has been in your tank about 5 hours? Most stock (especially corals/anemones) will take some time to get used to their new environment, and therefor won't look especially good right away. Give it some time-I suspect it will probably look better tomorrow, if not the following day. Shipping and then new water conditions really stress out these critters, and it will take it some time to become comfortable. Give it some time... it should be fine.

 

[kronin]

Thanks jacksonpt
I feel pretty stupid now though. When the coral arrived, because it was bent over and quite large - I couldnt work out how it stood in the fish shops tank. So Instead of risking squashing it, I just stood it up towards the front of the tank, to check it was OK. I think now I realise that the rock it is attached to is in actual fact supposed to be placed on the side that has the "root" of the coral attached. Its difficult to explain - but until I can ring the store tommorow thats my guess.
I have just had a good look at the stem and It looks like its taken a beating. The majority of the coral is slumped over the one side, but theres one or two fat branches that look as though they have started to break off and are slumped over the opposite side. I gently gave these stray branches a little wiggle to see If they had in fact broken off - and where the brake looks like it has happened, a watery red/brown liquid started flowing out Suffice to say Ive left it alone.
What should I do!

 

[jacksonpt]

I'd just leave it sit for a day or so, then re-evaluate. At night, mine shrinks up and looks kinda similar to yours... not as droopy though. I also wouldn't worry about the break, assuming it looks like a clean cut (not flaky, discolored or infected, etc.)... I know people who have had colts that have outgrown their tanks, so they took a good clean, sharp kitchen knife and cut a small part away from the stem. They kept he small part for their tank, traded the larger portion into their LFS, and everyone was happy.
Hope this helps... good luck

 

[kronin]

Thanks both - Ill leave it tonight and see what it's looking like in the morning.
Cross those fingers for me!

 

[kronin]

Well I didnt touch it. I turned over the rock so that it was positioned the right way up early last night-but since then Ive left it alone.
This morning theres still no signs of life. It looks a slightly better colour maybe.
Am I right in saying a sure sign of death would be that the branches start to break away - and the whole thing turns into a gooey mess ? Thankfully its not the case at the moment. Im checking the branches now and then and they still feel quite solid.
How long do you guys think I should wait? I know patience is the key - but obviously I dont want this huge thing wasting away. I should just keep checking the branches eh?
Heres todays pic :

Excuse the boxfish!

 

[kronin]

Hi Sammy - thx for the reply.
I know, I know - the boxfish is probably going to turn out to be a problem when it gets bigger. Ive got another one too, argh! Theyre behaving themselves though - the larger carribean boxfish hasnt picked at anything since I got him.
Anyway - This coral still hasnt bucked up. Ill take your advice and just be patient and wait for a few days, you never know.
One thing that I am unsure about though, is whether or not to point a bit more of the powerhead current at it? I know that Colt Corals are notorious for expelling liquid when theyre shipped - so they should be rinsed before theyre put in the tank. I did that - though like I mentioned yesterday, it does keep expelling this browny/red liquid if I go anywhere near it. So a stronger current could maybe keep it all fresh and maybe thats what it needs? But on the other hand - I dont want to make it even more uncomfortable by having a stronger current flowing over it. What do you think ?
Anyway thanks again for your help