Hallucination Favia tissue recession after pH control implemented.

TehBrainz · Sep 21, 2022

Hello,

I've noticed some tissue recession on my hallucination favia this week. All parameters have been stable with the exception that I've added pH control via CO2 scrubbing media for my tank. Not sure if this is related, but it's the only thing I've done out of normal husbandry.

Almost 1 month ago, I started CO2 scrubbing as I had determined this was limiting my pH to ~7.8-7.9. When I put the CO2 scrubber online, I set it up to control via ball valve so my pH would be 8.25-8.35. This has worked tremendously for my pH...

Can an immediate increase and control of pH lead to tissue recession I'm seeing? Should I look to do an ICP test to look for something in addition to standard tests?

Current Parameters:
Alk: 8.6dkH
Nitrate: 12.3
Phos: 0.07
Cal: 470
Mag: 1300

The second picture is the same as the first, just circled the area of recession so it is more clear.

Mark Novack · Sep 22, 2022

Yes, it could be the PH rise. It could be a half dozen of other reasons. I would dip it and gently brush the receeding tissue and exposed area and reposition it in low direct or medium indirect lighting and medium flow. If it likes it it should respond quickly. Favia are reasonably fast growing corals.

Ah, maybe take a closer look at the little wormy underneath that I see in the photo.

TehBrainz · Sep 22, 2022

Mark Novack said:
Yes, it could be the PH rise. It could be a half dozen of other reasons. I would dip it and gently brush the receeding tissue and exposed area and reposition it in low direct or medium indirect lighting and medium flow. If it likes it it should respond quickly. Favia are reasonably fast growing corals.

Ah, maybe take a closer look at the little wormy underneath that I see in the photo.

Any particular dip that would be better than others for the favia with recession? I've got Revive, CoralRX, Seachem Reef Dip, and maybe another one or two I'm not remembering at the moment.

The room is a "standard" bristleworm. This pic was taken yesterday morning when they were still out and about with lights out.