Why is my hammer dying?

[Just John]

One hammer is in the same general spot as the other and is doing great, but the other is dying and badly recessed. (no stinging issues possible) They are both smaller in size and have been fine for 4 months now. I just did a 40% water change today and have had charcoal in the filter with 20% weekly water changes. Nitrate has been a little low, but not zero. What could the issue be?

Phos - 0.05
N- 1.0
pH - 8.1
Alk - 7.5
I don't measure anything else

 

[aquatrack]

Hi @Just John!

I know you said those are the only parameters you measure, so without checking the calcium and magnesium levels - I'd recommend checking for any flow difference because even a small variation in similar spots could affect it. You could also check lighting, is the coral under any shadow or is it in a hotspot? You might want to check for any pests or snails at night that could be attacking just one of the hammers.

 

[Just John]

Hi @Just John!

I know you said those are the only parameters you measure, so without checking the calcium and magnesium levels - I'd recommend checking for any flow difference because even a small variation in similar spots could affect it. You could also check lighting, is the coral under any shadow or is it in a hotspot? You might want to check for any pests or snails at night that could be attacking just one of the hammers.

Nothing has changed at all. I got it 4 months ago and it has been in the same spot I put it that day and been good until a week or a little more ago. I started dosing nitrate and phosphate maybe a month ago since it has been tough to keep up, but other than that no difference. I suppose that will have cause some slight fluctuations, but the other one has always looked happy

 

[aquatrack]

Nothing has changed at all. I got it 4 months ago and it has been in the same spot I put it that day and been good until a week or a little more ago. I started dosing nitrate and phosphate maybe a month ago since it has been tough to keep up, but other than that no difference. I suppose that will have cause some slight fluctuations, but the other one has always looked happy

Yeah, I think it could be that your dosing created a temporary spike that affected the more sensitive coral... You could also try some targeted feeding if you haven't already. That can sometimes help a struggling coral to bounce back.

 

[Just John]

I have done some feeding. I am a little paranoid about not dosing because I once had dinos in that tank and don't want it to go to zero. I guess I need to figure out a different regimen that will keep nutrients at a more consistent level. Any thoughts on what else might be going on if that's not it?

 

[aquatrack]

I have done some feeding. I am a little paranoid about not dosing because I once had dinos in that tank and don't want it to go to zero. I guess I need to figure out a different regimen that will keep nutrients at a more consistent level. Any thoughts on what else might be going on if that's not it?

Based on the timing of when you started the new dosing regimen - I'd say that's the most likely culprit. I think consistent dosing at perhaps smaller amounts will have the best outcome without testing calcium and magnesium. If the situation doesn't improve over time, then I would definitely recommend testing those params.

 

[Just John]

ok. thanks for your help!