Euphyllia only tank with Brown Jelly Issue

dave.p

New Member
View Badges
Joined
Mar 10, 2025
Messages
20
Reaction score
4
Location
Atlanta
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Hi All,

I’m reaching out for some advice regarding my Euphyllia-only coral tank, as I’ve been dealing with some serious issues. A few weeks ago, I ordered a Holy Grail torch coral from an online retailer, but there was a shipping delay. When the package finally arrived, it contained three corals: two were completely dead on arrival, and the third, the Holy Grail, was alive but in very poor condition. Given the high cost of the coral, I attempted to save it, but it soon developed brown jelly disease. Since it was only a single head, I removed it from the tank and discarded it. This happened about three weeks ago.

Two weeks ago, I noticed my New York Knicks torch wasn’t extending as usual and appeared unhealthy. A week later, it too developed brown jelly disease. As it was also a single head, I removed and discarded it. More recently, I noticed a speck of brown jelly on one head of an 11-head torch coral. I quickly cut off the affected head to prevent further spread. It’s now been about five days with no visible signs of brown jelly, and I’ve been monitoring the tank very closely.

At this point, I have approximately $5,000–$7,000 worth of Euphyllia in the tank, and I’ve already lost around $1,000 worth of coral to this issue. I’m considering treating the tank with Cipro (Ciprofloxacin) to combat the brown jelly disease, but I’m facing a dilemma. I also have some very expensive fish in the tank, and I’m concerned that using Cipro could cause a mini-cycle or ammonia spike by killing both beneficial and harmful bacteria. Catching all the fish and dosing the tank isn’t a viable option, as these fish are nearly impossible to catch without completely disrupting the aquascape.

As an alternative, I’m contemplating an external KFC (potassium chloride) dip for all the corals, but I’m worried that this might be too drastic a measure. I’d love to hear your thoughts and recommendations. What would you suggest as a solution to manage or eliminate the brown jelly disease while minimizing risks to my fish and remaining corals?

Thank you in advance!

Water Parm

Cal 435
Mag 1350
Alkalinity 8.1
Ph 8.3
Sg 1.025

Help please!
 

Lavey29

10K Club member
View Badges
Joined
Apr 29, 2021
Messages
15,161
Reaction score
16,352
Location
United States
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
I've used cipro effectively. It does not harm fish or inverts. Kung fu dips can work also. Frag off infected heads.

I would start with individual Kung fu dips and fragging. If that doesn't stop the tank infection then use cipro.
 

Pistondog

5000 Club Member
View Badges
Joined
Jun 28, 2020
Messages
6,054
Reaction score
9,977
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Used cipro a few times with no ill effects, stopped bjd.
Stop carbon dosing or amino acids as this may be upsetting the bacteria balance in the tank.

Edit- cipro dose 0.5mg per gallon after lights out, every other day for 3 doses.
For me 62.5 mg for my 125g total, nites 1,3, and 5.
 

TOP 10 Trending Threads

WHAT AMOUNT OF LIVE ROCK AND SAND SHOULD BE PRIORITIZED FOR OPTIMAL BIODIVERSITY/FILTRATION?

  • 100% live rock + bagged sand

    Votes: 38 26.0%
  • 100% dry rock + 100% live sand

    Votes: 48 32.9%
  • 50/50 live/dry rock, 50/50 live/bagged sand

    Votes: 34 23.3%
  • 75% live rock, 25% live sand

    Votes: 15 10.3%
  • 25% live rock, 75% live sand

    Votes: 11 7.5%
Back
Top