I started a saltwater tank over a month ago, and it stayed spotless and clean until I added a colt coral. 2 days after introducing the coral, it started to get smaller and smaller and shrivel. I also see a lot of slime hanging from its tips. My research made me believe this is normal and is part of coral growth and I just need to wait it out, but correct me if I am wrong. But today, 5 days into adding the coral, I am noticing several brown spots on the rock it is sitting on and on the gravel beneath. I could not find answers online. What is causing the spots (encircled in images) and what should be my course of action here? Any guidance will be appreciated. Thank you!
Tank inhabitants: clownfish pair, royal gramma, candy stripe pistol shrimp and colt coral (as shown in pictures)
My salinity is currently low 1.017. My other parameters are:
Tank inhabitants: clownfish pair, royal gramma, candy stripe pistol shrimp and colt coral (as shown in pictures)
My salinity is currently low 1.017. My other parameters are:
- ph between 7.8 and 8.0
- ammonia between 0.25 and 5ppm
- nitrite 0
- nitrate between 5.0 and 10 ppm