how can you tell if a coral has died

[patrickfox4@msn]

i was wondering how to tell if a coral is dead i have a nice yellow soft coral in my tank for about a month sometimes its really full and colorful sometimes it closes up then opens but the last couple days hes been closed and a white substanes has covered it dont look good thats forsure does anyone know whats going on thanks any help would be great

 

[007]

This sounds to me like a leather coral that is shedding. These corals do this on a regular basis as a method of growth/cleaning itself. Identical to the way that many reptiles shed. It should return to normal within a weeks time.
Am i on the right track here or is it some other type of coral?

 

[patrickfox4@msn]

Originally posted by 007
This sounds to me like a leather coral that is shedding. These corals do this on a regular basis as a method of growth/cleaning itself. Identical to the way that many reptiles shed. It should return to normal within a weeks time.
Am i on the right track here or is it some other type of coral?
yes its a leather coral i didnt know about that i was about to get rid of him will the white stuff hurt any other fish thanks

 

[007]

No it wont hurt anything, but running some carbon in the filter or sump would help expedite the removal. Increasing the flow around your leather will prevent the coral from shedding as much.

 

[azonic]

Lift it to the surface of the water and take a big deep breath. if it smells like death, then it's likely dieing.
Although in your case it does sound like the coral is just doing it's normal thing.

 

[jonthefb]

like azonic said, your nose is your best detective in a situation like this!
good luck
jon