Candy cane coral dying?

[Bryson.bobby]

A friend gave me a piece of candy cane coral a few months ago. When I first got it it seemed to flower out a bit more. Recently, it started to become more shriveled up.

Is it dying? If so, what can I do to save it from dying?

Thanks.

 

[James M]

That looks bad but need more info on the tank

 

[Bryson.bobby]

That looks bad but need more info on the tank

The tank it’s in is a 20g w/ hang on the back filter. It’s been up n running for almost 3 years. There is good coralline growth along w spiroworms. I never got a better filter for it because it seems to be working w/ weekly 15% water changes.

I am looking to add it to my 55 gal w 29 gal sump once it’s cycled.

 

[Bryson.bobby]

Here’s the whole tank

 

[DangerDave]

I don’t know what’s causing your issue, but I’ve found candy canes to be very sensitive to phosphate levels.

What are your tank parameters?

 

[Bryson.bobby]

I don’t know what’s causing your issue, but I’ve found candy canes to be very sensitive to phosphate levels.

What are your tank parameters?

Last time I checked (which was over a month ago) everything was normal except a little high ammonia likely due to a hermit crab that died a few days before getting it tested. I will probably test again this weekend just to be sure.

 

[LetItReef]

I agree that Candy cane is sensitive to Phosphate levels or that Condy might be stinging it.

 

[wesman42]

It would be nice to actually list the parameters so we can assist.

 

[Bryson.bobby]

I will post the parameters after I go to the pet store this weekend

 

[DangerDave]

Definitely need them. Ammonia being detectable is not a good sign. How long has the reef been running?

 

[Bryson.bobby]

Definitely need them. Ammonia being detectable is not a good sign. How long has the reef been running?

Around 3 years. However, I started adding coral around a year ago. Kenya trees were in there for about a year n I got the candy cane a few months ago from a friend. I noticed a lot of growth of the Kenya trees after I bought a reef light.

 

[TMB]

Looks like you moved it from one pic to the next. Is that an Anemone next to it? If so that could be a big part of the problem.

 

[Bryson.bobby]

Looks like you moved it from one pic to the next. Is that an Anemone next to it? If so that could be a big part of the problem.

Yes it is an anemone. I actually had the candy cane eating earlier, I moved it to a new spot for more sufficient lighting.

 

[TMB]

Just make sure the nem can’t get to the candy cane, it will sting and kill it if it’s too close.