STN? Need help.

[Pakman2]

A little background on the setup. 8’x3’x26” peninsula tank. I am running 3 MP60’s on the opposite end of the overflow (was @ 60% pulse mode but just turned them all up to 90% pulse mode) along with 2 maxspect gyre XF350’s at 100% continuous mode. The corals that are currently showing issues are 4. All 4 coral are 5-6 feet away from the power heads.

The issue started this weekend. It was at the bottom and the back of the coral (least amount of light getting to the coral) It was only 3 coral this weekend and it seems like my green Slimer is now being affected by it too. I checked the corals last night and tonight and I do not see any pests.

For what it’s worth, I QT everything before it goes into the tank including inverts. I know it’s not 100% but I prefer it over dump and pray method.

This tank has been running for 16 months and I have not added anything new to the tank in 6 months. Looking for any suggestions or recommendations on what it may be and how to address the issue. I did just send out an ICP test today but won’t get those results for another week. I do run ICP tests once every two months.

Looking for suggestions or recommendations on what to do to stop this from taking over my tank. First time experiencing this type of issue. Is this some type of bacterial issue? Is it a pest and I missed it?

 

[Dburr1014]

Oh that sucks. You didn't find any pests, i assume you tried with a red light during complete darkness. If it's bacterial, I am of the firm believer that it does spread from Coral to Coral if in close proximity. My first thought would be to frag some pieces of healthy tissue just in case you lose the colony.
I have never used any medication for a bacterial infection in my tank. Most of the time than not, it stops on its own but I have not dealt with this in such a long time. I know some others have dosed for bacterial infections hopefully they come on here and can guide you.

 

[p1u5h13r4m24]

As long as your nutrient levels can handle it I would do water changes. Do you do water changes often? I’ve had this before and water changes solved it. I’m still unsure if it was DOC related or it was some semi high levels vanadium and tin. But water changes got it under control.

 

[bubbgee]

My experience with STN is that area is getting less or no flow and that’s why that part of the coral is dying. Especially when it’s at the base of the coral where it’s glued. I’ve noticed I gotten less STN when there is flow.

Then for RTN, one of the symptoms is that the sps is getting too much flow and they bail out. I switched to gyres for this reason as it’s more dispersed than focused. And the smaller the frag or colony against the flow that’s too much, it’s more likely to RTN.

 

[Pakman2]

Oh that sucks. You didn't find any pests, i assume you tried with a red light during complete darkness. If it's bacterial, I am of the firm believer that it does spread from Coral to Coral if in close proximity. My first thought would be to frag some pieces of healthy tissue just in case you lose the colony.
I have never used any medication for a bacterial infection in my tank. Most of the time than not, it stops on its own but I have not dealt with this in such a long time. I know some others have dosed for bacterial infections hopefully they come on here and can guide you.

Where can I buy a red light? I used a regular small flashlight to inspect the coral at night.

 

[Dburr1014]

Where can I buy a red light? I used a regular small flashlight to inspect the coral at night.

Doesn't have to be fancy. Try Amazon.

 

[Red_Beard]

Another vote for testing your fresh salt mix and water changes. Last time this happened to me it was also an over abundance of magnesium/zinc/iron/bromine from a combination of factors. A few water changes with good water and i was right as rain. As long as it isn't pest related.

 

[Pakman2]

Checked over the entire tank with a red flashlight and I do not see any pests.

 

[WhatCouldGoWrong71]

Have you had any spikes? I recently had a PH spike from hell. I have a tenuous and an LPS starting to come apart. I fear this is just the start.

 

[X-37B]

Any mushrooms in the tank?
I have had similar when mushrooms release and land on acros. One can land on several before finding a new spot.
This happened to several acros before I found a mushroom laying on one causing this over night.
The mushrooms are directly below the stag.

 

[WhatCouldGoWrong71]

Any mushrooms in the tank?
I have had similar when mushrooms release and land on acros. One can land on several before finding a new spot.
This happened to several acros before I found a mushroom laying on one causing this over night.
The mushrooms are directly below the stag.

Do you try and eradicate them? If so, how do you do it?

 

[X-37B]

Do you try and eradicate them? If so, how do you do it?

I actually took that tank down because of them. No mater how many I removed they always came back. Started with 3 small ones on one rock.
Once they started to release they killed quite a few corals.
Same pic before the release.

 

[Pakman2]

Have you had any spikes? I recently had a PH spike from hell. I have a tenuous and an LPS starting to come apart. I fear this is just the start.

No spikes in PH or Alk. I run a GHL controller that monitors and tests Alk twice a day. Extremely consistent within .5 variation throughout the day.

 

[Pakman2]

Any mushrooms in the tank?
I have had similar when mushrooms release and land on acros. One can land on several before finding a new spot.
This happened to several acros before I found a mushroom laying on one causing this over night.
The mushrooms are directly below the stag.

No shrooms in the tank.

 

[Red_Beard]

Sounds like you have ruled out a lot of the common issues. Any recent change to lighting or flow?

But, as the addage goes, 'when in doubt, change it out!'
Were this my tank a sieries of larger water changes would be on my todo list.

 

[Pakman2]

Sounds like you have ruled out a lot of the common issues. Any recent change to lighting or flow?

But, as the addage goes, 'when in doubt, change it out!'
Were this my tank a sieries of larger water changes would be on my todo list

No changes in water chemistry, flow or lighting. If anything, I did increase my flow on the MP60's from 60% to 90% after my findings. I'm patiently awaiting the ICP results which I am expecting back next week. I also purchased an Aquabiomics test to see if I am able to pinpoint the issue.

 

[Troylee]

No changes in water chemistry, flow or lighting. If anything, I did increase my flow on the MP60's from 60% to 90% after my findings. I'm patiently awaiting the ICP results which I am expecting back next week. I also purchased an Aquabiomics test to see if I am able to pinpoint the issue.

Don’t think you’ll find anything useful on a icp.. aquabiomics possibly if you can understand it! I think these icp all lead people down a rabbit hole.. stn and rtn aren't really understood and it’s always been a guessing game and will be for years to come! If you ask any old salt head it’s just part of the game and we’ve accepted it!

 

[Pakman2]

Don’t think you’ll find anything useful on a icp.. aquabiomics possibly if you can understand it! I think these icp all lead people down a rabbit hole.. stn and rtn aren't really understood and it’s always been a guessing game and will be for years to come! If you ask any old salt head it’s just part of the game and we’ve accepted it!

For the ICP results, my only concern was to see if there are high levels of the certain elements that can affect the coral. For example, magnets that might be leaking.

 

[Troylee]

For the ICP results, my only concern was to see if there are high levels of the certain elements that can affect the coral. For example, magnets that might be leaking.

Do some water changes it will always be your best friend no matter what any test say lol..

 

[Pakman2]

Do some water changes it will always be your best friend no matter what any test say lol..

Water changes are in the works. 550 gallon system. Doing 5% daily.