Tongue Cora (loosing its zooxanthellae)

[cmay]

I recently purchased a Tongue Coral (Polyphyllia talpina) from my LFS.

On first inspection the coral showed good colour including the the underside, he was in a small display tank under a 30w 10k T5 displaying a few polyps.

After about two weeks I noticed the underside looked as if the coral was loosing its zooxanthellae and the tissues was falling off.

The underside is now white, i've never seen more than 20% of the polyps out during the day, however at night, lights off he balloons up clearing any sand that has fallen on him and displays about 80% poylops.

The only light on after the tank lights go out is my dining room light.

I have 250W 10k MH, my other LPS and SPS seem to be doing well, water quality is within correct parameters.

Does any one have any suggestion, I was wondering if he was not use to the light, but im not sure how this would cause bleaching on the underside only.

Thanks

[Amphibious]

After about two weeks I noticed the underside looked as if the coral was loosing its zooxanthellae and the tissues was falling off.

I'm curious, where do you have the coral placed in the aquarium?

Also, you mentioned the light source at the LFS was 30w 10K T5. Is this correct?

Dick

[cmay]

Thanks dick for the reply.

The display tank was a very small Nano type tank, the light was a double bent T5.

I was quite surprised myself, I kind of felt sorry for the coral, another reason I picked him.

I've place the coral on my sand bed in moderate flow directly under main source of light for a week, I've also tried a slightly darker end of the tank still on the sand bed, as recomended on articles i've read.

[CarmieJo]

How deep is your tank?

[lReef lKeeper]

the "double bent" T5 sounds like a PC light to me, jumping from PC to metal halide can be very stressful on the coral. i would leave it alone for a while and see how it responds.

[Amphibious]

I was wondering that myself. You might consider placing a light reducing barrier above the coral on top of the tank for a few days.

Dick

[lReef lKeeper]

I was wondering that myself. You might consider placing a light reducing barrier above the coral on top of the tank for a few days.

Dick

i would try at least 2 layers of fiberglass or vinyl screen from HD or lowes, even if it is just above the section of the tank that the tongue coral is in. i bet it is a lighting issue, coming from PCs to MHs.

[cmay]

My tank is 2 feet deep, The LFS sold the same light, if I remember correctly it was only 30W.

I thought my light system was a big jump, especially as the coral seems to come to life when my lights are off and my dinning room light is on.

I’m really concern I may loose him, kind of makes me feel guilty

[cmay]

i would try at least 2 layers of fiberglass or vinyl screen from HD or lowes, even if it is just above the section of the tank that the tongue coral is in. i bet it is a lighting issue, coming from PCs to MHs.

I will see if i can sort out some form of light barrier, i may try and place a 30w T5 over my sump and place him there.

Do you think I should add any suplements

[lReef lKeeper]

i would not supplement unless you have test kits to test for what you are adding. i dont think it is a deficiency of anything, just needs to be acclimated to the high output lights.

[cmay]

Thanks for all the advice, I will find a way to reduce the light and see if this helps, hopefully I can make him feel happy again.

[cmay]

i would try at least 2 layers of fiberglass or vinyl screen from HD or lowes, even if it is just above the section of the tank that the tongue coral is in. i bet it is a lighting issue, coming from PCs to MHs.

I've managed to place the coral under my big Sarcophyton which allows for the tongue coral to sit in the shade without fear of them touching each other.

Within an hour the tongue coral ballooned with nearly all polyps showing and even the colour seemed to look more vivid.

So I'm hoping all your advice pays off, I will let you know the outcome.

Thanks again.

[lReef lKeeper]

you got it, thats why we are here.

[CarmieJo]

That sounds promising. Keep us posted.

[cmay]

Well this morning i was slightly worried, but but 10:00 this morning my coral ballooned out and looked lush all day

As bobby quoted "Thats why we are here" and thanks to all your help and TR I believe my coral is happy and on the mend, i will keep you all updated.

[lReef lKeeper]

great news !! glad we could help.

[Amphibious]

Well this morning i was slightly worried, but but 10:00 this morning my coral ballooned out and looked lush all day

Coral polyps appear and disappear regularly during the course of the day/week or hour. That's normal, ESPECIALLY when the coral is new to your system. Relax, enjoy the coral. Next time you are feeding, feed the fish heavily first, then squirt a small portion unto the coral's polyps. Watch what happens over the next few days. All corals benefit from occasional feeding of the "right stuff" especially non photosynthetic corals. My bet is that the coral responds favorably to feeding. Be careful not to over do it.

Most new reefers look at their whole aquarium instead of paying close attention to each individual critter. Your critters will tell you how they're doing by behavior. Learn the behavior of healthy individual critters and you will advance along the continuum of education in AQUARIOLOGY.

Most of you have never heard that word before. That's reefing education 101. Tought in the University of Hard Knocks. My alma mater. Research, study, learn, put into practice, observe, fail, try again, observe and get it right. AQUARIOLOGY, become a part of it and achieve greater success!

Dick

[cmay]

Most new reefers look at their whole aquarium instead of paying close attention to each individual critter. Your critters will tell you how they're doing by behavior. Learn the behavior of healthy individual critters and you will advance along the continuum of education in AQUARIOLOGY.

AQUARIOLOGY[/B], become a part of it and achieve greater success!

Dick

I guess panic sets in, you question your ability, should I really be in this hobby if I cant care correctly for my corals, but your right I need to sit back and relax bring my concerns to the forums and continue to take note of my corals on an individual basis.

keep the AQUARIOLOGY faith going thanks dick

[cmay]

Im please to say since my last post my coral has made a 80% recovery and has re-grown tissue on the underside and is looking great, thanks for all your help.

[CarmieJo]

That is great news!

[lReef lKeeper]

sweet, i love a happy outcome !! this type of thing really makes me miss my tank !!