sick coral

[rdskns71]

anybody know what kind of coral this is? Got it from a friend with the tank and he didn't remember what it was. It is starting to look sick and I am getting a bit worried about it the tank has been set up for several years, I have had it a couple weeks. The temp is 79 salinity is 1.024, ph 8.2, nitrite 0, nitrate 0-10, ammonia not detectable. He has started getting a film on the top of him and the "stem" is more yellow than what I remember.

 

[tinydove]

I am not sure but it looks like a very sick toad stool. Did you change the water in the tank when you got it? Or add anything to the old water?

 

[beth]

That is a toadstool [Sarcophyton trocheliophorum]. Do you have reef lighting for corals? Was he in this condition when you got him?
I'm going to move your post over to the reef forum for further help.
Here is a picture of a colony of healty specimens.
https://www.saltwaterfish.com/site_11...a3879590192835

 

[murph]

Yep its a toadstool leather. Leather are grumpy, they don't like to be moved and my devils hand leather throws a fit if I even just brush up against him a bit with my hand when cleaning up the tank.
Give it some time hes probably alright. His next move to mess with your mind will probably be to slime over. Make sure hes in good enough current to shed that slime when he is through throwing his fit and everything should be fine as long as you have the proper lighting like was mentioned before.

 

[rdskns71]

water was about 50% changed. yes he was in this condition when I got him except his tentacles were out a bit more. and lighting is a coralife 96w 50/50. by the way it is a 38 gal tank and he is about 4 inches long and the top is about 3 1/2 to 4 inches round(oblong? depends on his mood)

 

[rdskns71]

yes he is already starting to slime

 

[wilsonreef]

Toadstool it is...I have one of those also. When it slimes over, (it is just something it does), It is kinda like shedding but that's not what's happening. I guess it is it's way of molting.. This is very common after it does this it will probably be o.k. Just make sure your water is as pristine as it can be. Mine has done this several times. If you can find it you need to get the book called "Aquarium Corals" by Eric Borneman. It is a wealth of information. You might even find some threads on this site about it. I believe not too long ago there was mention of this. Remember, good light, and good water is a must with corals.

 

[rdskns71]

thanks for the advice and info I will keep you updated on his condition.