Salvageable or simply going to destroy my tank? Please HELP

[n0greenfx]

I received this open brain piece for Christmas as a gift from my boyfriend and it holds a bit of sentimental value along side it's beauty and placement in my nano. Salvageable or simply going to destroy my tank?

I recently went away departing mid day Friday returning home late Sunday evening, and came home to the below. I turned the lights out for the trip, assuming that at most three days without light would not be as disastrous as it apparently proved to be. I have herd of numerous people turning their lights off for extended periods of time to kill algae, etc. with out sacrificing their coral. Any recommendations on nursing this piece back to health, or is it simply past the point of salvage?

I will do some water tests and post the results in a little bit, but please someone, anyone HELP!!!



http://i497.photobucket.com/albums/rr339/karllenz87/0112091401a.jpg
http://i497.photobucket.com/albums/rr339/karllenz87/0112091400b.jpg
http://i497.photobucket.com/albums/rr339/karllenz87/0112091400a.jpg

[Sugar Magnolia]

That's not looking too good. :( "I'd suggest taking it out and giving it a dip in some coral disinfectant, then placing it back in the tank. Give it a few days and see if it can recover.

As far as the light being off for that period of time, it's highly doubtful that that is what caused the tissue recession. It could be any number of things, from stress to disease, to other tank inhabitants. Post up your tank params and tank inhabs so we can try and get a better idea as to what happened.

[n0greenfx]

the tank inhabitants are 2 clowns an assortment of snails and hermits a 6inch corcea clam thats been doing super awesome, but everything else seems to not do well...some type of leather a small ricordia and a small colony of zoos monticap i believe and some other sps. the params are
ph-8.2
nitrite-0
ammo-.25
nitrate-0
sg-1.21

lighting is 2x24 t5 1 actinic one 10k


http://i497.photobucket.com/albums/rr339/karllenz87/Photo4-2.jpg
http://i497.photobucket.com/albums/rr339/karllenz87/Photo3-2.jpg
http://i497.photobucket.com/albums/rr339/karllenz87/Photo2-4.jpg
http://i497.photobucket.com/albums/rr339/karllenz87/Photo1.jpg

[baldomero]

heynice tank but i think u should work on that ammonia till it reaches zero and as far as your salt level u need to bring it up to atleast 1.024 or 25

[Sugar Magnolia]

Your salinity is way too low. It should be up around 1.024-1.026. Are you testing with a hydrometer or a refractometer? Hydrometers are usually off by a few points, so it could be higher or lower than what you've got. Also, you have a small amount of ammonia, which will affect corals. http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.php

Nice looking clam! ;)

[n0greenfx]

i love tthe clam iv had coral that is "supposedly" hardy like xenia frog spawn and hammer coral die on me but the clam is just trudging on...not to sure y everyone told me clams are very hard to keep even star polys died on me they were being eaten by these pink nudis gave it a freshwater dip and the coral never came back :( i am using a hydrometer, but i will up the salt a bit slowly...do you guys think it is possible for that brain to come back to life. im guessing water changes to lower the ammo??

[Sk8r]

It wasn't the lights out. It's likely to be, in order of likelihood: 1. proximity to some stinging agent like a soft coral upwind; or some parasite eating it. 2. presence of ammonia/nitrate/ wrong salinity. 3. low alkalinity 4. some rowdy fish bugging it.

[n0greenfx]

well the brain is sorta down wind from the leather that i have could that be the issue could it be saved if i move it?

[robot2222]

sorry it is going so rough for you lateley.

[tmz]

Sg is very low at 1.021 for inverteberates. They will not survive that indefinitely. They are isotonic and can not maintain their internal chemistry well without sg of 1.024 or more.

Increase the salinity and place the Trachyphylia in the shade with low flow. It may also be reacting to bright light after a prolonged period of darkness which ,in my opinion, undoubtedly stressed it further.

Observe to see if there is anything nipping it.

Observe for a brown jelly infection .Brown goo on the flesh. If there ,it's a protozoan that eats the flesh( usuallly starts in a wound) . It can be treated with a 3 to 5 minute freshwater dip in dechlorinated temperature adjusted fresh water and/or a 15 minute dip in lugols solution.

[n0greenfx]

ok ill try that i have not seen any brown goo or anything nipping at it

[K' Family Reef]

try putting it in a shady place w/ low flow
then hope for the best... might try feeding it but more then likely it wont eat in the condition its in...

good luck

regards