Leather question

[Fallguy44]

New to corals so bare with me. I purchased this nice leather a couple of weeks ago. The first week the coral looked great, then noticed the green polyps (apologies if they aren't actually polyps) disappeared. After research, I realized it could have been my bi-color angel fish as they are not the most reef friendly fish. I also had a Duncan coral that closed up. I have since removed the fish. The Duncan opened up but the leather has stayed the same. Kinda shrunken and no open polyps.

Is it possible it ate all of the green polyps or did it just close up to protect itself?

 

[jakeh22]

It just closed up they do that when disturbed or sand blown on them or simply form them growing and shedding their skin.

in the front left is a toadstool leather same as yours you can see the polyps aren’t out like the yellow Fiji in the back or branching one in the front

 

[jakeh22]

Looks like you have some corals I wouldn’t worry about it. Post you’re parameters and lighting etc

 

[Fallguy44]

Looks like you have some corals I wouldn’t worry about it. Post you’re parameters and lighting etc

Yes, don't have a lot but I do have some LPS and I think one SPS in addition to the Leather in the picture and another small leather elsewhere in the tank but not nearby.

I just tested my water and my nitrate seems high. I do weekly 15% water changes with the last one this past Saturday. I have a 90g tank. Here are the results:

Lighting: Current Orbit Marine LED

Ammonia - 0
Nitrite - 0
Nitrate - 20ppm
PH - 8.2-8.4
Phosphate - 0.25ppm
Calcium - 460 mg/l
KH - 12 dkh

 

[Fallguy44]

So do you think I should keep the bi color angel out of the tank then? Or could it be the nitrates effecting the corals?

 

[jakeh22]

That would certainly effect the polyps not wanting to come out fully along with possible agitation from the angel.. I wouldn’t have em personally. do a 20% water change and watch his activity if he nips at anything. I too have a 90 mixed reef

 

[Fallguy44]

That would certainly effect the polyps not wanting to come out fully along with possible agitation from the angel.. I wouldn’t have em personally. do a 20% water change and watch his activity if he nips at anything. I too have a 90 mixed reef

Thanks. I planned on a water change later on today. I already removed him to the quarantine tank. The day after I removed him, the Duncan finally opened up after 3 weeks of being closed up. I never noticed him nipping at anything but obviously I'm not watching the tank all the time. He's my favorite fish but looks like I will have to sell him off.

 

[jakeh22]

I would just leave him where he is stop taking him from tank to tank so he isn’t shocked ya know. Do a water change and just wait. They stay closed for a week sometimes more for no reason then come back very vibrant it is the way they grow

 

[vetteguy53081]

These grow quick and do like water flow. Keep it in one tank as stability is key to their growth.

 

[Sharkbate]

Leathers and toadstools are hardy but when they throw a tantrum and shut up shop they can stay closed for days Ime they don’t like anything or anyone touching them .... they can tolerate dirty water ie not all zero’s I don’t run a skimmer on one of my tanks and he’s a good size and polyps fully extended, also if really upset you may notice a shiny coat layer appear this is a protective or I’m annoyed coat ! It will come off , but you may need to help it shed ... good flow is best also .
Good luck ...

 

[Fallguy44]

Leathers and toadstools are hardy but when they throw a tantrum and shut up shop they can stay closed for days Ime they don’t like anything or anyone touching them .... they can tolerate dirty water ie not all zero’s I don’t run a skimmer on one of my tanks and he’s a good size and polyps fully extended, also if really upset you may notice a shiny coat layer appear this is a protective or I’m annoyed coat ! It will come off , but you may need to help it shed ... good flow is best also .
Good luck ...

Yes, I noticed the shiny coat this morning!

 

[vetteguy53081]

Yes, I noticed the shiny coat this morning!

shiny coat - ready to shed