Are these yumas bleached?

[Sharkbait19]

Hi,
I’ve had a rock with Yuma mushroom corals, all of which had been doing well. Over the past few weeks, two in particular have been growing tiny and grey, and now white. I think it’s possible they’re in a bad location compared to the others (i.e. lighting, flow, nutrients). Are they possibly bleached? What causes bleaching?

Would it be best to relocate these two? If so, what would be the best method. Are they even still alive? If they are, can coral bleaching be undone? Thanks!

 

[carmodpg]

Those are unhealthy for sure. Bleaching is caused by too much light usually. I would say maybe turn your lights down. Mushrooms attach to the rock, so yanking them to relocate (and hoping they attach to new location) will most likely be the nail in the coffin for them.

 

[iamacat]

I don’t think the light is the issue at all. That light should in no way be too much for Yuma. What I see is a lack of nutrients and flow. Yes, Yuma are low flow but if your tank is running only the return pump for water movement, there is no way you are getting enough nutrient exchange on your coral. It’s looks like everything in your tank is gasping for food. I would increase feeding while managing your nutrient export. Add a power head

 

[Sharkbait19]

I don’t think the light is the issue at all. That light should in no way be too much for Yuma. What I see is a lack of nutrients and flow. Yes, Yuma are low flow but if your tank is running only the return pump for water movement, there is no way you are getting enough nutrient exchange on your coral. It’s looks like everything in your tank is gasping for food. I would increase feeding while managing your nutrient export. Add a power head

What should I feed? Reefroids? Worms?

only the mushrooms and a fungia I have are really suffering. I was told it wasn’t necessary to feed, but if I have to, I have no problem with it. The rest seem to be okay. I will try to turn those corals around though.

Do they look dead?? I hope not. They used to be much larger and colorful. Most of the others just moved to a better spot.

 

[iamacat]

What should I feed? Reefroids? Worms?

only the mushrooms and a fungia I have are really suffering. I was told it wasn’t necessary to feed, but if I have to, I have no problem with it. The rest seem to be okay. I will try to turn those corals around though.

Do they look dead?? I hope not. They used to be much larger and colorful. Most of the others just moved to a better spot.

Your nutrients can come from those items but what your really need is more water movement. Your corals aren’t “breathing”. Your rocks shouldn’t get build up like yours have

 

[Sharkbait19]

My fallow period will finally be over in a little over a week (technically it already is but I’d rather go longer). Will fish going back in help with the circulation of nutrients?

 

[iamacat]

Absolutely. I was unaware you were in fallow. Something interesting you could do that would be super effective is use freshwater mollies. They won’t bring in any disease since they are fresh, but you can drip acclimate them to saltwater. They do a tremendous job of janitor and are interesting to watch. Bonus they are like 2.99 so no big deal if it’s not successful.

 

[iamacat]

I still feel circulation is the most important thing to address here. After that fish if you’re ready to increase bio load.

 

[Sharkbait19]

Absolutely. I was unaware you were in fallow. Something interesting you could do that would be super effective is use freshwater mollies. They won’t bring in any disease since they are fresh, but you can drip acclimate them to saltwater. They do a tremendous job of janitor and are interesting to watch. Bonus they are like 2.99 so no big deal if it’s not successful.

I’ve really been considering mollies. I think they’re fun and have kept them many times in freshwater so would love to try one in a marine environment!!