Monti Cap Hyper Death

[BTimms]

Hello All!

System is: Fluval flex 32.5 saltwater
Salinity 1.025
Temp 25.4c (77-78f)

I need to buy testing equipment, and I think this is a bad lesson learned. I tested initially with strips and all levels were normal. Before buying testingkits I was trying to learn the system indicators before spending the dough....excuses. I’m an idiot.

My set up is around the six month mark. Things have been fairly consistent and level. Some coralline growth. Plenty of pods, micro fauna etc...
I recently added two clowns as I felt the environment was ready.
A week later, I started to experience an expectant algae bloom due to fish nutrients in the system. So, I slowed feeding. I attempted to remove green fuzzy rhodactis mushroom from a rock and made somewhat of a slimy mess. I then cleaned up and completed a 20ish% water change and things went south..... within the next day all the monti caps bleached out and is sluffing off brownish slime or perhaps it’s polyp bailout.
Zoas closed, BTA split and both are in hiding. Fish seem out of it and not happy.
This morning things looked similar but the montis are gross and dying.

I completed another 20% water change this morning.

I feel that so many small things may have created a domino effect. Or something is Killing the monti but I haven’t noticed any pests. I have seen similar degradation on other corals. Perhaps my crappy fluval marine 3.0 light isn’t putting out enough light, too much...ugh.

Being a long time aquarist I understand that This is the first hurdle. The first hiccup, or speed bump in the long road of this journey.

Any thoughts, suggestions, input or diagnosis would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

B

 

[JSchwarz]

I think it is most likely the sudden issues are from an ammonia spike from adding fish to a fairly small tank that previously had none. That's one reason why people usually put fish first as it will force the bacteria to build up to level that processes the ammonia of the fish before corals that are much more sensitive to change are added. If you had a bigger tank or only added each fish a few weeks apart you may have had less issues.

 

[BTimms]

I think it is most likely the sudden issues are from an ammonia spike from adding fish to a fairly small tank that previously had none. That's one reason why people usually put fish first as it will force the bacteria to build up to level that processes the ammonia of the fish before corals that are much more sensitive to change are added. If you had a bigger tank or only added each fish a few weeks apart you may have had less issues.

Thank you for your response.
I believe it could be this as well.
Any suggestions on recourse or fixes?

 

[JGT]

Your lighting looks suspect. Monti caps love light and yours looks insufficient.

 

[JSchwarz]

Increased water changes and test. It probably won't take too long to stabilize since your tank isnt brand new. If the corals do recover it could take a while though. Your light probably is weak for montipora, but I don't think that would cause sudden tissue loss.

 

[BTimms]

Thank you For the input.

I think the light could be weak, but I have been afraid to blast them %100.
Water changes commencing.

 

[JGT]

Slowly increase your lighting. 5% a week.

 

[BTimms]

Slowly increase your lighting. 5% a week.

How will I know it’s too bright?
Or is it even possible to be too high with this light?

 

[JGT]

Ideally a par meter. Without that go by the corals response.

 

[vetteguy53081]

There is a few things that will contribute:
Age of tank
insufficient lighting and/or water flow. These like good water flow.
Low or high alk
Low PH
High Mag
tank too warm
Pests such as red bug or nudibranch
High nitrates

A good test kit with corals are a must. A badge, strips or API test kit will give false reading and lead to loss of coral. recommended parameters are below. Do not allow yourself to chase numbers to achieve them. for refernce:

Temp 77-79
ph 8.1-8.3
salinity 1.025
nitrate <.04
phos , .05
mag 1300
CA 440
alk 8-9

I would take a good water sample to a trusted LFS which does Not use API test kits and have them test for you so you have an idea what is going on chemically in your tank

 

[BTimms]

There is a few things that will contribute:
Age of tank
insufficient lighting and/or water flow. These like good water flow.
Low or high alk
Low PH
High Mag
tank too warm
Pests such as red bug or nudibranch
High nitrates

A good test kit with corals are a must. A badge, strips or API test kit will give false reading and lead to loss of coral. recommended parameters are below. Do not allow yourself to chase numbers to achieve them. for refernce:

Temp 77-79
ph 8.1-8.3
salinity 1.025
nitrate <.04
phos , .05
mag 1300
CA 440
alk 8-9

I would take a good water sample to a trusted LFS which does Not use API test kits and have them test for you so you have an idea what is going on chemically in your tank

Thank you for this.
Your advice is much appreciated.

 

[ssunthar]

Hello All!

System is: Fluval flex 32.5 saltwater
Salinity 1.025
Temp 25.4c (77-78f)

I need to buy testing equipment, and I think this is a bad lesson learned. I tested initially with strips and all levels were normal. Before buying testingkits I was trying to learn the system indicators before spending the dough....excuses. I’m an idiot.

My set up is around the six month mark. Things have been fairly consistent and level. Some coralline growth. Plenty of pods, micro fauna etc...
I recently added two clowns as I felt the environment was ready.
A week later, I started to experience an expectant algae bloom due to fish nutrients in the system. So, I slowed feeding. I attempted to remove green fuzzy rhodactis mushroom from a rock and made somewhat of a slimy mess. I then cleaned up and completed a 20ish% water change and things went south..... within the next day all the monti caps bleached out and is sluffing off brownish slime or perhaps it’s polyp bailout.
Zoas closed, BTA split and both are in hiding. Fish seem out of it and not happy.
This morning things looked similar but the montis are gross and dying.

I completed another 20% water change this morning.

I feel that so many small things may have created a domino effect. Or something is Killing the monti but I haven’t noticed any pests. I have seen similar degradation on other corals. Perhaps my crappy fluval marine 3.0 light isn’t putting out enough light, too much...ugh.

Being a long time aquarist I understand that This is the first hurdle. The first hiccup, or speed bump in the long road of this journey.

Any thoughts, suggestions, input or diagnosis would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

B

How is your monti doing now?

 

[BTimms]

How is your monti doing now?

I think that I may lost most of it. That said, I am seeing white edges, which I hope is new growth.