Brown spots on my Hammer Coral?

[reefingformysons]

Hi Guys,

My hammer coral has been the pride and joy of my tank and thus far has been really happy and healthy. Even this morning he was fine but just checked on him now and noticed he’s shrunk up a little and upon examination Iv seen these brown spots on him which weren’t there before.

I have attached photos and was wondering if anyone can help identify what they are?

I have a feeling is flatworm but want to be sure so I can put together a plan of action on what to do next.

Thanks

 

[Hurricane Aquatics]

Yes, those are flatworms. You'll need to get et a clean container line a bowl or Tupperware piece and fill it with your tank water. Doesn't have to be a large amount of water just enough to cover the Coral. Then add some coral dip and put the hammer in that dip for about 5 to 10 minutes.

You'll see them drop off and you need to do that as soon as possible.

I would dip it in Revive, which is made by two little fishies, as it is a milder dip and good for the corals. After rinsing in another container of your tank water, I would dip again in Lugol's Iodine for 15 minutes. I use a whole dropper and sometimes two droppers as it won't hurt the Coral. That will take care of any brown jelly that gets on the hammer as well.

Then rinse in some fresh tank water and you should be good.

Here's an article for you on those flatworms.

Watch Out for a New More Damaging Euphyllia Flatworm | Reef Builders | The Reef and Saltwater Aquarium Blog

Coral pests are pretty much a fact of life for any reef aquarist or coral gardener, and these parasites and diseases range from slightly irritating to downright lethal. Recently we documented our…

reefbuilders.com

 

[reefingformysons]

Thank you. I only had ro water to hand so done a quick dip and shake to get most of them off. Will run down to the reef store tomorrow and grab the bits you have mentioned thank you

 

[Hurricane Aquatics]

Thank you. I only had ro water to hand so done a quick dip and shake to get most of them off. Will run down to the reef store tomorrow and grab the bits you have mentioned thank you

Best of luck!

 

[reefingformysons]

Yes, those are flatworms. You'll need to get et a clean container line a bowl or Tupperware piece and fill it with your tank water. Doesn't have to be a large amount of water just enough to cover the Coral. Then add some coral dip and put the hammer in that dip for about 5 to 10 minutes.

You'll see them drop off and you need to do that as soon as possible.

I would dip it in Revive, which is made by two little fishies, as it is a milder dip and good for the corals. After rinsing in another container of your tank water, I would dip again in Lugol's Iodine for 15 minutes. I use a whole dropper and sometimes two droppers as it won't hurt the Coral. That will take care of any brown jelly that gets on the hammer as well.

Then rinse in some fresh tank water and you should be good.

Here's an article for you on those flatworms.

Watch Out for a New More Damaging Euphyllia Flatworm | Reef Builders | The Reef and Saltwater Aquarium Blog

Coral pests are pretty much a fact of life for any reef aquarist or coral gardener, and these parasites and diseases range from slightly irritating to downright lethal. Recently we documented our…

reefbuilders.com

So my local reef shop didn’t have either which sucks. I’m about the order the TLF revive but the only Lugosi iodine I can find is this one, will it work?

Tropic Marin Lugols Iodine 50ml at Kraken Corals

The natural replenishment with trace elements is not guaranteed in a saltwater aquarium, iodine should be added to a marine aquarium on a regular basis

krakencorals.co.uk

 

[Hurricane Aquatics]

So my local reef shop didn’t have either which sucks. I’m about the order the TLF revive but the only Lugosi iodine I can find is this one, will it work?

Tropic Marin Lugols Iodine 50ml at Kraken Corals

The natural replenishment with trace elements is not guaranteed in a saltwater aquarium, iodine should be added to a marine aquarium on a regular basis

krakencorals.co.uk

Yes, that will work fine.

 

[reefingformysons]

Yes, that will work fine.

Done the process. However the coral looks bad pretty sure it’s on its way out. It’s receided back so much all that’s showing now is the skeleton. I’ll keep an eye on it for a week or so but doesn’t look it can bounce back from this lol

 

[Hurricane Aquatics]

Done the process. However the coral looks bad pretty sure it’s on its way out. It’s receided back so much all that’s showing now is the skeleton. I’ll keep an eye on it for a week or so but doesn’t look it can bounce back from this lol

Sounds like the flatworms had already done it in. It happens. Sorry for your loss.

 

[reefingformysons]

Yeah at least I have the stuff to hand now in case it happens again. Good learning curve RIP Hammy as it was named by my sons lol