SPS color issues after dipping

malira · Jan 8, 2016

I have been using Bayer for about a year to dip my corals. When I get corals from another tank I expect some color loss due to stress. So after I acclimate and dip the coral the color loss didn't seem out of place.

But I recently had to dip several corals that were in my tank colored up and doing fine. When I finish dipping I noticed most of the corals have very noticeable color loss. The polyp extension isn't really effected but the color is.

I dip in a 25 to 30% solution for 10 minutes. I rinse in a fresh cup of tank water gently swishing the coral and then rinse again in a second cup of tank water.

Does this happen to others? If not are there any suggestions?

maroun.c · Jan 8, 2016

Any specific reason you had to dip those for?

watchguy123 · Jan 8, 2016

Corals being transferred from one tank to another may lose color but this should not normally be a "sudden" loss of color.

Your own corals dipped and placed immediately back in your tank should not have any color loss. If it is sudden and a dramatic change in color, then you had a "bleaching" event where your coral expelled many of their zooxanthellae. That is not typical of dipping.

All in all, makes me wonder what is going on with your tank. And why indeed would you need to re-dip your own coral

Smite · Jan 8, 2016

25-30% bayers to tank water? Seems very strong to me.

malira · Jan 8, 2016

maroun.c said:
Any specific reason you had to dip those for?

I noticed bite marks. I found a couple aefws.

Not good.

malira · Jan 8, 2016

Smite said:
25-30% bayers to tank water? Seems very strong to me.

Yes bayer to tank water. I know those who used more.

McMullen · Jan 8, 2016

I have dipped coral that seemed to be declining, no polyp extension, bite marks, poor looking health but with the majority of tissue color seemingly intact and "okay." Then once dipped and blowing forcefully with turkey baster realizing multiple AEFW swirling in the water. It seems they can camouflage themselves to appear the coral is healthy but once there hold is released you see utter destruction and devastation……..dramatic I know…….I hate them!! This may be what your experiencing as well.

malira · Jan 8, 2016

McMullen said:
I have dipped coral that seemed to be declining, no polyp extension, bite marks, poor looking health but with the majority of tissue color seemingly intact and "okay." Then once dipped and blowing forcefully with turkey baster realizing multiple AEFW swirling in the water. It seems they can camouflage themselves to appear the coral is healthy but once there hold is released you see utter destruction and devastation……..dramatic I know…….I hate them!! This may be what your experiencing as well.

I expected some lose but they looked better going in.

Maybe I'm using to much. Idk.

McMullen · Jan 8, 2016

I almost always mix my concentrations stronger than recommended. I also blow as hard as I can directly point blank range with baster. If I don't I find I will miss these buggers. Gotta work to get em off. Don't underestimate their camouflage!! Or their left over seeds of death, AKA, eggs.

maroun.c · Jan 9, 2016

I do dip my corals of their way out of quarantine to the tank and don't notice immediate color loss so that is intriguing. Let's see how long it takes them to recover their colors.

malira · Jan 9, 2016

maroun.c said:
I do dip my corals of their way out of quarantine to the tank and don't notice immediate color loss so that is intriguing. Let's see how long it takes them to recover their colors.

Some have started adding color but not back to where they were. Not all of them lost color.

I'm going to use a weaker solution and see if that helps.

malira · Jan 13, 2016

Ok. Update.

The problem was I was using to much Bayer. I had to dip more corals last night, (New thread) and i used a weaker solution. About 10 to 15%. About 1 1/2 inches of water and I couldn't see the bottom but I could see about 1/2 way, maybe a little less. The colors are great. A little stressed from temp fluctuation but nothing to complain about.

watchguy123 · Jan 13, 2016

I have always used 10ml of Bayer to 4 ounces of tank water for a minimum of 5 minutes and as long as 15 minutes. People use all kinds of different doses and duration of dip but I do think measuring precisely both the dose and time is a better practice.

It has become apparent that most corals are tolerant of Bayer at many doses and dip duration.

I don't think anyone quite knows the minimum dose or minimum duration of dip.