Alright y’all, it pains me to say this but I’m looking for some help on an issue because it’s something I have never dealt with in my 15 years of reefing. I’ve been noticing some STN tissue recession on some of my LPS (Micromussa, chalices, & favia specifically) the past month or so.
For reference, Acros, Zoas, and mushrooms seem unaffected) I have been stumped up to this point trying to figure out why since my parameters have been stable and within my target range (testing weekly with Hanna/Salifert and confirming via ICP once a month - See numbers below).
I run UV and added activated carbon to try and remedy any possible bacterial or pollution issues to no avail. I’ve done broad spectrum antibacterial treatments (KFC Dip, no in-tank treatment as of yet) as well as standard dips with Melafix and Iodine, neither providing any noticeable change).
Finally today I decided to bust out my microscope (cheap coin scope, but gets the job done) and noticed what appear to be small copepod/bugs and worm like creatures (nematode?) at the receding flesh lines. (See video 1 for bugs and video 2 for worm). I swear I can see the worm in video 2 actively eating flesh. My first thought is to do an interceptor treatment protocol, but figured I would consult fellow hobbyists before moving forward.
My question is 3 fold:
1. Have you ever encountered something like this?
2. If so, can you provide an ID on these critters?
3. What have you found success remedying this issue with?
Tank Parameters:
Alk: 8.5
Cal: 425
Mag: 1400
NO3: 15
PO4: .09
Trace: Kept within or slightly below acceptable range (Confirmed with ICP monthly)
For reference, Acros, Zoas, and mushrooms seem unaffected) I have been stumped up to this point trying to figure out why since my parameters have been stable and within my target range (testing weekly with Hanna/Salifert and confirming via ICP once a month - See numbers below).
I run UV and added activated carbon to try and remedy any possible bacterial or pollution issues to no avail. I’ve done broad spectrum antibacterial treatments (KFC Dip, no in-tank treatment as of yet) as well as standard dips with Melafix and Iodine, neither providing any noticeable change).
Finally today I decided to bust out my microscope (cheap coin scope, but gets the job done) and noticed what appear to be small copepod/bugs and worm like creatures (nematode?) at the receding flesh lines. (See video 1 for bugs and video 2 for worm). I swear I can see the worm in video 2 actively eating flesh. My first thought is to do an interceptor treatment protocol, but figured I would consult fellow hobbyists before moving forward.
My question is 3 fold:
1. Have you ever encountered something like this?
2. If so, can you provide an ID on these critters?
3. What have you found success remedying this issue with?
Tank Parameters:
Alk: 8.5
Cal: 425
Mag: 1400
NO3: 15
PO4: .09
Trace: Kept within or slightly below acceptable range (Confirmed with ICP monthly)
