What is on this Torch

[Kerwin1721]

What is this torch? I picked this up yesterday afternoon and it looked great until this morning and I noticed the large bump on the side. I don't think it was there when I picked it up but I could have missed it. Last night it was wide open with the tentacles flowing nicely. Today it has kept it tentacles much closer in.

Is it ok? What can I do to help if, if necessary.

Thanks for any suggestions/help



Here is what it looked like last night with only the blues on. It looked the same with the day lights on as well.

 

[steelheader.262]

I would dip it, to kill any pests.

 

[Kerwin1721]

What would you suggest dipping it in?

 

[steelheader.262]

I would talk with your LFS and see what they suggest or try Coral Rx.

 

[Kerwin1721]

Any idea if it something that I can scrape off? I will pick up some coral Rx tomorrow and dip it.

 

[Hogan]

Looks like hair or turf algae to me.

 

[Ahruk]

I don't think scraping it off would hurt the coral just do it in a bucket of saltwater away from the tank so whatever it is doesn't end up floating in the tank. Also if you're really worried about hurting the torch, a toothbrush is a great tool to have on hand for cleaning frag plugs.

 

[Pete polyp]

I see a sponge on the side of the base if that's what you're referring to

 

[Tahoe61]

I see a sponge on the side of the base if that's what you're referring to

I am thinking the same thing. The reason the corals is not fully expanded is because it's brand new.

 

[Ahruk]

This may very well be the case but it is always a good practice to dip your coral to avoid introducing pests and to scrub with a toothbrush to try to minimize risks from pest algaes. That said, torches are finicky. I remember when I first got mine he threw up at least once a week for the first few months.

 

[Kerwin1721]

Is this the sponge you are referring to? Is it ok to keep in the tank or do I need to get rid of it? I don't have too much in the tank at the moment, just this torch a clown and a couple zoanthids. I will definitely be dipping my coral from now on. Thanks for the advice!

 

[Tahoe61]

Personally I don't remove sponges unless they are actually becoming invasive like on zoanthid plugs and such.

 

[Ahruk]

No problem :) That's what we're here for. To help give advice and keep learning more about how to keep our little reefs happy, healthy and beautiful.