Some LPS Bleaching

Ian Baxter · Dec 22, 2020

I have a few corals (war coral and two favias) that seem to be turning white. They have been in the tank for about 4-5 weeks and I started to notice them turning white two days ago. There is another favia doing great and it's literally next to one of the ones bleaching. All are located near the bottom of the tank. I did just raise my Alk and Mag about a week ago from 6.9 to 7.8 and 1200 to 1350 respectively as I wanted to get my numbers in order so I could add a CA rx. All other LPS are fine. I know I need to reduce NO3 and PO4. Any ideas?

Parameters:
Ca - 420 - Salifert
dKH - 7.7 - Hanna
Mg - 1350 - Salifert
pH - 8.06 - Hydros
NO3 - 25 - Salifert
PO4 - .261 - Hanna
Salinity - 1.026
Temp - 78-79

Ron Reefman · Dec 26, 2020

Good photos would probably help.

Ian Baxter · Dec 26, 2020

Ron Reefman said:
Good photos would probably help.

That would be a good idea lol.

Ron Reefman · Dec 27, 2020

I suspect you may have STN (Slow Tissue Necrosis), but I'm not sure. Lets try for some help. #reefsquad

P-Dub · Dec 27, 2020

I'm inclined to agree with @Ron Reefman. Try an iodine and/or preferably, a CoralRx dip and quarantining if possible. Usually, STN is a result of a bacteriologic attack of some sort.

ScottR · Dec 27, 2020

I’m always a fan of dip and move. Your parameters are fine for LPS. I like to look in at my LPS after lights have been out to check for feeding tentacles/mesenterial filaments as a sign that they are active and feeding. And then I’ll feed them if they’re ready to eat.

Ian Baxter · Dec 27, 2020

P-Dub said:
I'm inclined to agree with @Ron Reefman. Try an iodine and/or preferably, a CoralRx dip and quarantining if possible. Usually, STN is a result of a bacteriologic attack of some sort.

Can I use Revive as I already have that? Then I can order CoralRx. All of these corals came from the same place too. Would this infect all my other corals?

P-Dub · Dec 27, 2020

Ian Baxter said:
Can I use Revive as I already have that? Then I can order CoralRx. All of these corals came from the same place too. Would this infect all my other corals?

Revive is more of a coral cleaner to rid your new corals of pests. Coral Rx has the added benefit of ridding bacterial issues. The overall efficacy of one over the other I don't think has been empirically evaluated, at least not that I can find or am aware of. As a general dip for incoming corals, I would think either is fine. From my personal anecdotal experience with STN, I have found Coral Rx to be slightly better than moderately effective. Use what you have and continue to monitor. When you get Coral Rx in, use that. Do not forget to report back.

Ian Baxter · Dec 27, 2020

P-Dub said:
Revive is more of a coral cleaner to rid your new corals of pests. Coral Rx has the added benefit of ridding bacterial issues. The overall efficacy of one over the other I don't think has been empirically evaluated, at least not that I can find or am aware of. As a general dip for incoming corals, I would think either is fine. From my personal anecdotal experience with STN, I have found Coral Rx to be slightly better than moderately effective. Use what you have and continue to monitor. When you get Coral Rx in, use that. Do not forget to report back.

What are the odds my other coral get it?

ScottR · Dec 27, 2020

Ian Baxter said:
What are the odds my other coral get it?

IME, STN typically doesn’t jump ship for some reason. Not much is truly known about it but it’s agreed that’s it’s bacterial. I always opt for an iodine dip as it works for me. Once my corals settle in, STN/RTN isn’t common. Settling in time is maybe a matter of months when I see coloration improve, tissue growth, skeletal growth, etc.

P-Dub · Dec 28, 2020

Ian Baxter said:
What are the odds my other coral get it?

I have only seen it jump from one coral to another when in close proximity or of the same type of coral. It's possible but not necessarily likely.

Fennel · Apr 25, 2021

Ian Baxter said:
That would be a good idea lol.

On this.. sometimes when placing new frags we have a klutzy time of it and the result looks a lot like this. Then combined with light shock and new parameters along with temp adjustment the coral looks like a skeleton. Idk. Give it time. It will either bounce back or die. That and someone always has something to sell ya, so there is never a straight answer without some product pitch. The coral looks a bit too handled. Give it time...