What's wrong with this bird's nest coral?

[Just John]

Over the last week or two this coral has started going down hill while my other sps have been fine and growing. I have had trouble keeping the nitrates above zero, but have been dosing for that. It also produces slime during most of the day. I thought the slime might actually be something like cyano, but it is not on any other coral in the tank.

ph - 8.2
nit - 5
phos - 0.03
alk - 8.2
sal - 1.026

 

[KrisReef]

Not sure what you’re dealing with? I don’t recall seeing a coral slimming in place unless it had just been dipped and was trying to cleanse itself from the dip water/irritation.

I would consider increasing water flow and see if that helps.

 

[o2manyfish]

The slime is usually a sign that the coral is upset.

What other corals are in close proximity to the Birdsnest? You might have an issue of chemical warfare occurring and the birdsnest is losing out.

Also check for hydroids under the birdsnest that could be reaching up and constantly stinging it - causing the same reaction.

Dave B

 

[Just John]

The slime is usually a sign that the coral is upset.

What other corals are in close proximity to the Birdsnest? You might have an issue of chemical warfare occurring and the birdsnest is losing out.

Also check for hydroids under the birdsnest that could be reaching up and constantly stinging it - causing the same reaction.

Dave B

The only other coral near it is the other bird's nest in the photo. I don't see any hydroids. It is on a frag plug, so I will try moving it to a higher flow area. Do you know if it is safe to brush one off with a soft makeup brush?

 

[KrisReef]

I would use water current to remove the excess slime but a soft brush probably wouldn’t hurt it.

 

[Troylee]

Looks like Dino’s and they’re killing it… they love birds nest.. any strings anywhere else in the tank?

 

[Just John]

Looks like Dino’s and they’re killing it… they love birds nest.. any strings anywhere else in the tank?

No other strings on anything. Fortunately there are no dino issues with the tank. I have had it in higher flow since yesterday and there has not been any more slime, but it still looks miserable.