What might cause a paly to brown?

Eienna · Jun 20, 2015

I have several palythoas which have begun to brown, despite getting what I would think is plenty of light. Now, I noticed that there's an orange thing (don't know if it's algae, a bacteria, or what, but it did not respond to a Bayer dip at all) growing on my rockwork and the first ones to brown were the ones in contact with that stuff. Now they seem to be going downhill in other places, too. Last I measured nitrate it was 16 (not where I want it, but safe enough) and phosphate was...under 2 if I recall correctly. I really don't know what to do about this. It occurs to me that it might be alk/salinity swings because my salt mix got ruined by moisture, and because my Dad doesn't keep up with the top-offs the way I need him to. The zoas seem to be fine, but the purple death and sunny d palys in particular (plus a green one I don't know the name of) are suffering. Any ideas of what the orange stuff might be, and what to do about the palys? The stuff is almost a rust color. I think it might be the culprit but...as I said, no idea what it is or what to do about it. Tried scraping it off with no luck. Should I try dipping the palys in iodine or hydrogen peroxide and trash the rock with the orange stuff?

Wishing I had a photo to show you guys.

Something I forgot to add - the swings have probably been going on for a few weeks. I've been unable to check my salinity because a water accident left my refractometer flooded and I had to wait to get a new one.

Vpham · Jun 20, 2015

It sounds like bacteria infection or fungus, hydrogen peroxide and a fine painter brush or tukey baster would clean that up...temporary. in long term, u need to bring ur nitrate and phosphate down...

ZoaCollector · Jun 20, 2015

I would do a 30-50% water change and check your levels after. The growth might be coralline dying. That sometimes turns orange. Also are you using RODI? And if so are the filters on it fresh? Purple deaths are hard to kill so if that's not doing good, something is off. A water change is a good start to reset.

Eienna · Jun 20, 2015

I am using RODI, yes, and I just checked it. 0 TDS. Once I get my salt levels in check I will try a large water change.

Eienna · Jun 23, 2015

It just hit me that maybe my LEDs are turned up too high and the darned things are actually bleaching, not browning. All I could tell for sure was that they were losing color. I'll turn the light down or place a frag on the sand bed to test my theory. I'd like to skew it just a touch more blue anyway.

Eienna · Jul 4, 2015

The color seems to be returning to my Sunny D's, so with any luck the others will come back soon too. Still not sure what caused it. The ones that were once vivid green are brown...maybe I should move them up, but they grow so darned fast I don't dare.