Hammer trunk disintegrating

[BethL]

Hello, we have a hammer and the trunk is rapidly disintegrating, revealing white flesh as it does so. Does anyone know what is causing this?

Thank you, Beth

 

[EmdeReef]

Welcome to R2R! Sorry to hear that.

Could you post a pic and your parameters?

How long have you had it? Any new additions to the tank or changes?

 

[BethL]

Welcome to R2R! Sorry to hear that.

Could you post a pic and your parameters?

How long have you had it? Any new additions to the tank or changes?

 

[instantaquatics]

What are your aquarium parameters?

 

[BethL]

Thanks! We've had it for about five months. We started noticing about a month ago. Salinity = 35. Temp = 77. pH was 7.9 - 8.0; recently it's been 8.1 - 8.2. Phosphates = 0. We've had different things we've added to the tank during that time.

 

[instantaquatics]

Thanks! We've had it for about five months. We started noticing about a month ago. Salinity = 35. Temp = 77. pH was 7.9 - 8.0; recently it's been 8.1 - 8.2. Phosphates = 0. We've had different things we've added to the tank during that time.

What is calcium, mag and alk?
Salinity should be 1.025!!!

 

[P-Dub]

Salinity at 35 ppm is just right. It looks as though something is eating the base. Do you have an urchin by chance? There is no flesh being exposed. That is just the old skeleton of the coral. As an option, you can break it off where it is disintegrating and epoxy the coral. You alk, cal and mag, are parameters that need to be monitored. I would suggest a quality test kit for each. We need to know those numbers to better help. I do swear that it looks like something is munching on that skeleton though.

 

[madweazl]

What is calcium, mag and alk?
Salinity should be 1.025!!!

Salinity of 35ppt is equivalent to a specific gravity of 1.0264 (which is perfectly acceptable/desirable).

 

[instantaquatics]

Salinity of 35ppt is equivalent to a specific gravity of 1.0264 (which is perfectly acceptable/desirable).

Sorry thought they meant 1.035 haha

 

[Dustin A.]

I'm in agreement with P-Dub, it looks like something is eating it.

 

[Dom]

What is calcium, mag and alk?
Salinity should be 1.025!!!

It is. 1.025 = about 34ppt.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I would focus on calcium and alkalinity levels which contribute to bone and skeletal structure in many coral. No separation of flesh is good.
A suggestion also would be to verify your readings by taking a water sample to a trusted LFS and have them test to compare with your readings.

 

[Reef_LA]

Check your tank at night something is eating your hammer. I would suggest on dipping your hammer maybe coral Rx or Revive. Hope that help a little