I broke down and couldn’t take this slow mysterious death any longer. I drained the tank, dipped all the corals in witches hazel, Lugols, and potassium chloride. Then I ripped out all the palys and algae I could find, stirred up the sand bed, and replaced 100% of the water. I expect some coral losses, but if it resolves my phantom issue, it’s a cost I’m willing to pay.
Ready to tear everything out and start dipping
9 hours later, rocks, corals, and fish are back in.