Hi my son has a hammer,he got it about 3 days ago and it looks horrendous..its in sleep mode atm but i dont think its healthy at all..Is the normal?

[emjane]

All parameters are normal but it doesn't look healthy

 

[Crabs McJones]

That hammer coral is dying.
What are parameters, flow, and lighting. We need specifics to help

 

[Should I]

maybe stupid questions but we have nothing else to go on

1. is it in salt water
2. is the tank cycled
3. do you have proper lights for corals

 

[emjane]

maybe stupid questions but we have nothing else to go on

1. is it in salt water
2. is the tank cycled
3. do you have proper lights for corals

Yes it's in saltwater
The tank has been cycling for about 3 weeks
He has a AI prime 16hd
It's sitting mid flow mid height in a 3ft tank with sump

 

[emjane]

That hammer coral is dying.
What are parameters, flow, and lighting. We need specifics to help

Salinity 1025
Temp 24
Mag 1410
Phosphate 0
Calcium .05 480
Alk 12
Nitrate 0.01
Mid height in 3ft tank
Mid light AI prime 16hd

 

[Should I]

Yes it's in saltwater
The tank has been cycling for about 3 weeks
He has a AI prime 16hd
It's sitting mid flow mid height in a 3ft tank with sump

This is ur problem add some fish then try a nice easy soft coral in like 6 months keep the light off till then
good luck the hammer will probs die though

 

[emjane]

This is ur problem add some fish then try a nice easy soft coral in like 6 months keep the light off till then
good luck the hammer will probs die though

He has a Bicolour Angel and sea cucumber he's got snails and a lobophyllia already in there all doin fine apart from the hammer..Im going to acclimate it to my 80lt salt tank and see how it goes

 

[Should I]

He has a Bicolour Angel and sea cucumber he's got snails and a lobophyllia already in there all doin fine apart from the hammer..Im going to acclimate it to my 80lt salt tank and see how it goes

good luck

 

[braaap]

This is ur problem add some fish then try a nice easy soft coral in like 6 months keep the light off till then
good luck the hammer will probs die though

Ummm. Please stop giving out poor advice.

OP- Parameters don’t look too bad. Hammers like low to medium flow. Usually low. 200ish Par is more than enough. Honestly that hammer looks like it was probably toast before he put it in the tank.

Could always move it lower and to slow flow and see. But my guess is that thing is already done.

 

[exnisstech]

Wall hammer, not a good coral for a 3 week old tank. Many don't do well in established tanks. Sorry but that one doesn't look like it will make it. Are you targeting alkalinity of 12? Just asking because its at the high end and not common to intentionally run that high. It works for some but doesn't leave much of a margin for error.

 

[emjane]

Wall hammer, not a good coral for a 3 week old tank. Many don't do well in established tanks. Sorry but that one doesn't look like it will make it. Are you targeting alkalinity of 12? Just asking because its at the high end and not common to intentionally run that high. It works for some but doesn't leave much of a margin for error.

He is using the coral pro salt and apparently your alk is on the higher end with that salt.
My tank is salt water from the ocean so my alk is a lot lower...Do you think putting it in my tank will help? I have to try and save it..he will be devastated

 

[exnisstech]

He is using the coral pro salt and apparently your alk is on the higher end with that salt.
My tank is salt water from the ocean so my alk is a lot lower...Do you think putting it in my tank will help? I have to try and save it..he will be devastated

I think it looks like a goner but I'm no expert at saving coral. I think the biggest problem moving to your tank would be acclimating it to the lower alk since it's already in poor condition.
As far as your son being devastated you may want to prepare him for losses if he is going to stay in the hobby. Losses are unfortunate but often uncontrollable and happen to everyone at one point or another. Losses are just part of this hobby IME

 

[UMALUM]

Non existent nitrate and phosphate means the lobo will be next. Just explain to him that 1 it was a poor choice under the circumstances and 2 get some nutrients in that tank asap.

 

[aSaltyKlown]

I'd try and get the phosphate and nitrate up.
I aim for a range of:
po4 - .04-.10
no3 - 10-20

 

[BryanM]

I'm in the camp of more nutrients.

Dunno how the tank was cycled. if with live rock then I don't really have concerns.. but if not, then it feels VERY young.

Either way, I had an early setback with a hammer, and that dude looks like a goner to me.

 

[Tamberav]

High Alk and low nutrients isn't ideal. Corals my suffer in the long run even if they look okay now. I would personally bring nutrients up and switch to a lower alk salt around 8-9. It will be more beginner friendly.

Wall hammers can be difficult, a branching one would be a much better choice. This hobby teaches some tough lessons.

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

He has a Bicolour Angel and sea cucumber he's got snails and a lobophyllia already in there all doin fine apart from the hammer..Im going to acclimate it to my 80lt salt tank and see how it goes

1. Wall hammers are usually pretty finicky and should probably not go into an immature system. They need precise stability and a new tank/new reefer simply cannot offer that. They are also usually wild caught and much less tolerant of captivity then branching varieties.
2. Having almost no nitrates and phosphates can lead to starving corals. Not to beat a dead horse, but a more mature, stable tank is preferred.
3. Temp is likely too low, most marine systems are kept at around 25 (77F) minimum. This temp difference alone could have caused the stress you're seeing.
4. You mentioned a sea cucumber - again, a more mature tank, more specifically a mature sand bed, is needed for these creatures.

If possible, return the coral and cucumber and reset. Then GO SLOWLY and be patient... it's a marathon, not a sprint

 

[Cichlid Dad]

Ummm. Please stop giving out poor advice.

OP- Parameters don’t look too bad. Hammers like low to medium flow. Usually low. 200ish Par is more than enough. Honestly that hammer looks like it was probably toast before he put it in the tank.

Could always move it lower and to slow flow and see. But my guess is that thing is already done.

Do you really think a 3 week old tank can support a hammer coral with no issues ? How is what he said is poor advice

 

[braaap]

Do you really think a 3 week old tank can support a hammer coral with no issues ? How is what he said is poor advice

If cycled it absolutely can. Been there. Done that.

He literally said wait 6 months and don’t turn on the light. That’s some of the worst advice I’ve ever heard.

 

[Cichlid Dad]

If cycled it absolutely can. Been there. Done that.

He literally said wait 6 months and don’t turn on the light. That’s some of the worst advice I’ve ever heard.

I will agree with you on the light and six months, but disagree with you on an inexperienced person adding hammer or any hard coral in a three week old build.