NEW FROGSPAWN DYING HELP

[zaekor]

Hello, I recently purchased a nice frogspawn that was on sale at my local fish store. When I got it home, I dipped it and then acclimated it. Once I did that, I placed it in the tank. The first day it wasn't opening up, and I thought it was normal since I have kept torch corals in here before. The second day, they opened up a little. After that, they haven't opened up at all. I bought this coral June 2nd and I loved it at the store, but now I am afraid that it is going to die. If it does I believe the fish store has a return policy but I'm not sure if it applies to coral. I just came up to check on it and I see a bunch of stuff coming out, I instantly assume it is brown jelly disease and that I'm screwed. Let me show you some pictures and I seriously hope you guys can help. I have moved it up to a higher location in the tank to see if that will do anything and also to get more light for the picture. I am using the Chinese leds that I have grown torch corals in the past with so I know it's not my lights and I get water from the LFS. I will get up tommorow and go to the store and get more water and do a wager change, but I am super sad that this thing will probably die because it is super beautiful and it was a gift from my dad for good grades throughout the year, and he would also think I am irresponsible for killing it, even though it may not be my fault.
Thank you so much,
Mitch

 

[Robink]

Mitch, sorry to say it does not look good. What are your tank parameters?
I've also killed my fair share of corals. (Not saying it's your fault, not enough info.)
Btw, how old are you?

 

[Robink]

And do you have other corals in the tank that are doing well? Can't see them.

 

[zaekor]

Yes, zoanthids and a torch that is right below this picture.
Here are my parameters:
Ph:8.4
Ammonia:0.25
Nitrate:5.0
Nitrite:0
Sorry I don't have any other tests, that is it. I use the API Saltwater master kit. I am 15 years old.
Thanks

 

[zaekor]

I believe the store I got it from has a good return policy. I have proof that it wasn't my fault so I should be able to get a refund. I don't have the biggest budget so this would be the only colony of coral that I would get for my tank in a while. I really hope that I get a refund- after this I'll just buy my coral from the store I know has good stuff. I really can't afford to lose a $70 coral right now.

 

[Surfandturf]

Couple questiins, are you running carbon in that tank? what is the temperature? And how exactly did you acclimate your coral?

 

[zaekor]

Couple questiins, are you running carbon in that tank? what is the temperature? And how exactly did you acclimate your coral?

I am running carbon in the tank but it needs replacing pretty badly. It is a big bag of Chemipure Blue in an aquaclear 20 I had lying around. The tempurature is 78.1 degrees F. I acclimated my corals by floating the bag for an hour, than I opened it and added a very small amount of water every 20-30 minutes for about 3-4 hours. I know that was a little overkill but I wanted to make sure this coral didn't die. I need to purchase a drip acclimator.

 

[zaekor]

It is getting worse by the minute. I believe that by morning it will be completely dead.

 

[Surfandturf]

That is a lot of bag time for that coral. It's pretty stressed out and that is a problem. How long have you had the carbon in there?

 

[zaekor]

I think I have had the carbon for 2 months now. I know that is way over do for replacement. Does it expire and make the tank go bad kind of like an overdue T5 bulb? I am pretty sure it doesn't but what do I know. I don't think I had the coral in there for 3-4 hours, it was probably closer to 2 hours. I was just over exaggerating a little.
Thanks,
Mitch

 

[Surfandturf]

I don't think it does but you have zoas in that tank right? Depending on water parameters they could be stressed and releasing toxin in the tank. Carbon, from my understanding can help break those down so the chemical warfare doesn't affect the rest of your live stock. Also, everything that the new coral is emitting can start causing issues for the other corals in the tank. I would do at least a 10% water change and replace the carbon. How close is the coral to its neighbors? A full tank pic might help.

 

[kateater]

You should have zero traces of ammonia, how old is the tank?

 

[zaekor]

Tank is probably 4 months old. I tested right after feeding so numbers may be a little wonky.

 

[kateater]

Tank is probably 4 months old. I tested right after feeding so numbers may be a little wonky.

I don't think the food would breakdown that quickly. I would do a water change and cut back on the feeding.

 

[Robink]

Yes, +1 there should be no ammonia. When acclimating next time add a little water every five minutes for an hour +- till there's more tank water than bag water. That works for me. Good luck with your tank, it's all a learning experience. Good job on your grades. :)

 

[Surfandturf]

So you bought that rock with all of that purple on it already? Cause at 4 months, that's a lot of coraline. When I set up a tank, I like to use rock with little purple. The growth of it let's me know how established it is.

 

[omykiss001]

If it's stressed move to a low light area with just enough flow so it would wave gently. Long stringy stuff looks similar when mine expel old meals. Get the ammonia down a well cycled tank should be undetectable with hobby grade kits. Also did you dip it? I've had flatworm eat torches before, but mostly looks stressed so lower the light and give gently flow and see if it looks better in a day or two.

 

[omykiss001]

Also with stony corals really need to know your alkalinity and calcium as this coral will need those stable and in range to grow if your are way off from the store may stress the coral as well. Most of my euphyllia will open within about 24 hours after placement in the tank.