Hammer Coral Unhappy

RDReefNYC · Dec 4, 2024

Hammer is looking unhappy on one side. Polyps retracting and looking darkened. It was happy in this location for about three weeks then a week ago started to look worse.

I don't think it’s a flow issue since it was looking good and full here for weeks. I recently moved the toadstool to where it is now from another part of the tank where it was not doing well. I’ve heard about the toxicity of some leathers and wonder if the hammer could be getting irritated being downstream from the leather?

Nitrate: 0.0 (started dosing Neonitro conservatively to try and bring this up but still reading 0 currently)

Phosphate: 0.03

Alk: 8.2

Any guidance would be appreciated.

SaltySqueeble · Dec 4, 2024

Yo. It most likely needs more nutrients. Nitrate 0 is no bueno. Phos .03 is bare minimum

SaltySqueeble · Dec 4, 2024

Sorry to be totally negative . It’s a good looking hammer with nice flesh. And love the aquascape. The neo nitro should start getting that up. Maybe the neo phos as well. Or could do extra feeding

goosemans · Dec 4, 2024

Anything possibly bothering it? Clowns tryna host, emerald crab, peppermint shrimp?

Cycleguy0623 · Dec 4, 2024

I agree here to low on the nutrients. My system can strip my water pretty well so I dose tropic Marian phosfeed as well as reef chili 3 days a week. It has made a huge difference in my corals.

RDReefNYC · Dec 5, 2024

SaltySqueeble said:
Sorry to be totally negative . It’s a good looking hammer with nice flesh. And love the aquascape. The neo nitro should start getting that up. Maybe the neo phos as well. Or could do extra feeding

No worries I didn’t take it as negative just useful advice. Will bump up the feedings and dosing and hopefully it resolves the issue.

kevgib67 · Dec 5, 2024

The leather is possible, add some activated charcoal just in case. I agree with those above, low nutrients. Shoot for phosphate of .05-.1 and nitrate of 10-15. Feed more , ReefRoiids will help a lot, decreasing the frequency and amount of water changes or discontinue for a while. Shut off skimmer or if you want it oxygenating your water, take off the collection cup. Hammer need moderate light and random flow.