Small bug eating coral HELP!!

[Stringbean]

I've been noticing latly that one of my brains and a plate coral I have are not showing the color they used to and the brain is loosing some of its flesh. I have since started feeding them and it seemed to help some but tonight after the lights went out I shined a flashlight in the tank to check on things to see some tiny little bugs crawling over my brain eating the flesh! I have been noticing the for sometime but never eating my coral. Anyone ever expire mixed this before? I could really use some help. Here's a pic I got of one a few days back when I was cleaning a pump.

 

[TheGrimmReefer]

Hard to tell from the pic but the bugs are likely copepods or amphipods. They aren't the reason your corals aren't doing well, though. They are simply being opportunistic and feeding on the already dying tissue.

 

[Dylan J.]

theyre called amphipods. most just eat algae and detritus. while others will find themselves a snack on zoas and sick corals

 

[tuna_bullet]

wrasses and mandarins and scooter blennies eat them up

 

[NanaReefer]

Amphipods. Definitely DO NOT eat "healthy" coral flesh! Detritus eaters, scavengers and will eat certain Copepods.
Please to better help your corals, what are your water parameters?

 

[Stringbean]

Water parameters

Salinity 1.025
Ammonia 0
Nitrate 0
Phosphate .1
Ph 8.2
Calcium 480
Alk 10

All tests were done with API test kits. Lighting is a 150w 20k halide bulb.

 

[Stringbean]

I am thinking of ordering a media reactor to run GFO to try to reduce the phosphate level somewhat. I don't think this is the ultimate root of my problem but it couldn't hurt. I am also thinking of ordering a ro/di unit. I know the ro/di is always a good idea but what are your thoughts on GFO?

 

[NanaReefer]

Personally in my 5yrs of reefing I've never run GFO. I know many who do. Regular WC's have always worked for me.
Your definitely on the right track with the purchase of an RO/DI unit. Was the best thing I ever did