Coral identification

[Backtolifemassage]

I purchased this from a LFS. I didn’t write the name down and it starting to retract and I can’t tell if it is dying.

 

[Steve and his Animals]

Pictures under white light are a must here, but it looks like a Goniopora or Alveopra. How long have you had it? Water chemistry?

 

[Backtolifemassage]

I’ve had it since July 9. I added new coral 2 weeks ago so I’ve dimmed the lights until everything acclimated. The guy at the store told me to keep it on the sand and it has slowly deteriorated.

 

[HBtank]

Since you have the range of values you are aiming for, you obviously realize your salinity is way too high, right? Other values like CA and Mg would be expected to be elevated in that context, and are. Phosphate should also likely come down.

 

[Backtolifemassage]

Pictures under white light are a must here, but it looks like a Goniopora or Alveopra. How long have you had it? Water chemistry?

The spots are on the glass. The coral is “was” solid white. It looked like it had small flowers

 

[Backtolifemassage]

Since you have the range of values you are aiming for, you obviously realize your salinity is way too high, right? Other values like CA and Mg would be expected to be elevated in that context, and are. Phosphate should also likely come down.

I did a water change and added RODI water since this test on 8/1. My salinity was 1.026 when I added the coral in July. And I’m working on phosphates. Where should My Ca and Magnesium be?

 

[Backtolifemassage]

I did a water change and added RODI water since this test on 8/1. My salinity was 1.026 when I added the coral in July. And I’m working on phosphates. Where should My Ca and Magnesium be?

Any idea on how to save this guy?

 

[Wasabiroot]

Ca and mag are both fine. A bit higher than normal but shouldn't see harm from it. My guess is the salinity - Alveopora in my experience won't bounce back right away. If you're unsure if the coral is doing poorly, it will have a funky smell if it's on its way out. I would aim to keep your parameters stable, maybe a bit less phosphate, but Alveopora hail from turbid silty water so theoretically that might not be your issue. If you see polyp extension that's a good sign. I would aim to feed with some kind of fine food like phyto or reef roids if you see it opening up.

To be honest I really only see skeleton...could try moving to lower light area and inspecting at night but it might be a goner already. Their polyps can retract quite far into the skeleton though