Montipora Self Destructed! - Page 2

One_Divided · #11 02-24-2002, 07:12 PM

That's why I added that reef central link.. I'm thinking it's not rtn as well.. just read what borneman says about the thing on the thread.. does that look similar andrew?

canadawest · #12 02-24-2002, 09:34 PM

Well I truly appreciate all of the great replies.

I am tending to lean towards another coral attacking the Montipora, but also stress relating from the recent skimmer change could be related too?

Here are some details. Yes, the three frags I had were all located opposite each other. The two larger ones were at opposite ends of the tank, and the tiny branch is in the center. It was the frag on the right side of the tank that destructed, and it completely bright white now. The other two frags still look fine.

There are several LPS neighbours within 6-8" of the deceased Montipora. A Hammer, Green Open Brain and a frogspawn. There are also several small Xenia colonies that are next to it, even touching it, but that is common to the other large frag on the left side of the tank. The one on the left even has my BTA right next to it, occasionally a tentacle will brush against it in the current, but has never bothered that Montipora.

Now the new skimmer is mounted on the right side of the tank, nearest the dead Montipora so perhaps it is skimmer related? Also I changed the location of a powerhead in that area to accomodate the new location of the skimmer, so perhaps the change in currents in that area was also a contibutor? In any event, whatever the cause it was fast and fatal. As of today the skeleton has no slime or polyps visible on it, it's just a bright sterile white color. I'm going to leave it for another couple days to see if anything happens.

Well I guess the bright side is I still have another healthy sized frag, so hopefully I can raise that one into many others.

[ 24 February 2002: Message edited by: canadawest ]</p>

DJ88 · #13 02-24-2002, 10:57 PM

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Quote:

Also I changed the location of a powerhead in that area to accomodate the new location of the skimmer, so perhaps the change in currents in that area was also a contibutor?

Was the current being directed directly at the frag? was it being hit full force with the power head? How far fom it was the frag?

REEFLECTIONS · #14 02-25-2002, 01:29 AM

Hi

Sorry to hear about your loss, I would have to conclude that your problem was caused by something you did in the tank since you stated you had these two corals for two months prior. Usually the most dromatic change temperature will cause such a decay in coral tissue. The same type of problem can happen in coral shippments were whole salers ship SPS in two small of bags and once placd in bags they slime up and the buld up of slime smuthers the corals giving you a dead arival. All in all rethink you your hose keeping did you do something or change something to bring on such a dromatic out break.

Have a great week

A team Canada A

canadawest · #15 02-25-2002, 04:06 AM

The power head was actually moved behind the frag, but was aimed to the side of it, completely missing the frag. Previously the powerhead was in a corner creating a surface current in the direction of the frag, but again not directly at it.

I don't think it makes sense to dwell on it further. The frag is gone, but everything else is great so I'll chalk it up as "one of those things" that happens from time to time. Just another reminder that any change to the "status quo" in our ecosystems can have dire and permanent consequences.