The dark red or brown spots that showed up.....where are they?On the base or stalk of the leather or on the cap?
Is the stalk full and smooth or is it shriveled...wrinkled ? If it is touch it (wash your hands first) and see if it feels "woody" like an old tree branch.
Are the spots just on one side of the leather...if so where are they in relation to the current in your tank (how much current is in the tank)?
Do the polyps extend from the cap at all and just not open on the ends or do they just not come out at all?
Is the leather standing straight up or is it slumped over? What (and how large) is it attached to?
Are there any noticable signs of it "rotting" ie pieces of it falling off or holes developing in the cap/stalk?
Is there any chance of you posting a pic?
Sorry for all the questions but I am just trying to get a good picture of what you have (without a picture
)
SiF