There used to be a saying in this hobby that leathers, could grow in the back of a toilette. (Granted that's not salt water, and most likely not true, but, a great analogy).
I've had a toad stool that grew from 4 inches in diameter to 12-15" inches when fully open in my 340 gallon display. It's loved my tank over the last 4 years. In the last year... It's base withered away. It used to be 6" tall, now it's maybe 2" tall laying on a rock. Just the top, the top is pale gray in color. And it's needles sometimes open slightly. Just enough that you can still see they're there.
It's semi wrinkled, it doesn't open and close anymore. It just lays there - what's left of it.
I've been in the mindset that it's impossible to kill these things, but, it's dying. About 6 months ago, I had all my Xenia die off about the same time the toad stool started dying.
I did have some fluctuations where my water quality got really clean for a few weeks. Phosphates between .01 to .05. I suspect that's what triggered the Xenia dying off.
However, my phosphates are .3 and nitrates around 50-60. So, if it's dirty water it's definitely dirty!
I have acros, Duncans, Hammers, Bubble Coral, frog Spawn, orange Ricordia, Montipora, a massive Challice that are all doing great. Some Bubble Mushrooms. None of them show signs of stress or issues with the water. I don't know if I just need to toss what's left or if in a few months or a year it'll make a recovery. It's been this way for close to 3-4 months at least.
I've had a toad stool that grew from 4 inches in diameter to 12-15" inches when fully open in my 340 gallon display. It's loved my tank over the last 4 years. In the last year... It's base withered away. It used to be 6" tall, now it's maybe 2" tall laying on a rock. Just the top, the top is pale gray in color. And it's needles sometimes open slightly. Just enough that you can still see they're there.
It's semi wrinkled, it doesn't open and close anymore. It just lays there - what's left of it.
I've been in the mindset that it's impossible to kill these things, but, it's dying. About 6 months ago, I had all my Xenia die off about the same time the toad stool started dying.
I did have some fluctuations where my water quality got really clean for a few weeks. Phosphates between .01 to .05. I suspect that's what triggered the Xenia dying off.
However, my phosphates are .3 and nitrates around 50-60. So, if it's dirty water it's definitely dirty!
I have acros, Duncans, Hammers, Bubble Coral, frog Spawn, orange Ricordia, Montipora, a massive Challice that are all doing great. Some Bubble Mushrooms. None of them show signs of stress or issues with the water. I don't know if I just need to toss what's left or if in a few months or a year it'll make a recovery. It's been this way for close to 3-4 months at least.