STN or something else

[spaulr]

I've had this German blue monti for about 3 months now. It has been growing like mad since I got it (about 1.5"). Just recently though I noticed a white spot and a dead or dying branch on it. I have a 150w halide in the center of my tank and this is the back side of the coral so it doesn't get direct light. Is this the start of slow tissue necrosis or maybe flatworms? I got the coral from DFS...it's an ORA coral.

 

[trido]

Its hard to be real accurate from the pic but it looks like the lower branch that you circled still has polyp extension as if its just bleached for some reason. Maybe it got salt creep on it when you were using a mag float, or some kalk if you were nuking aptasia. If it does still have extension I wouldnt worry just yet.

 

[spaulr]

I don't have a mag float (but am looking to get one ) and don't YET use kalk for anything. That portion is definitely NOT exposed to very much light. I just read a few post on STN and RTN and started to freak out.

Does anyone really know what causes it to start?

 

[mr_X]

i have a very similar case, and it is right where the coral shadows itself. :?

 

[spaulr]

Hmmm. I guess I could move it, but from reading posts from Trido and others, SPS don't like change (lighting or current). I'll definitely keep an eye on it. If it starts to move up the branches I'm either going to move it, dip it, or frag it.

 

[mr_X]

but this must be coincidence, because in otrher tanks, and in the ocean, there will always be some shadowing, somewhere. this cannot be the reason for the bleaching.
mine just appears as though the part that is shadowed by the rest of the coral is starved for light. it is down by the base, like yours.
how long have you had this coral?

 

[spaulr]

I got it in January. It's grown a ton. I've only noticed this just recently. It was my first coral along with the Hodag Montipora (which is also making nice progess).

 

[RustyReefer]

I hate to say it butthats how my blue bali acro started to STN :? Sorry

 

[spaulr]

Just when you think you got everything under control, you realize you have no control. Comedy.

Did you frag yours? What did you end up doing? I have 2 other acros I JUST got from ORA (millie's), but nowhere near this one. Does it spread? Should I try a Lugol dip? Sorry for the 50 billion questions but this is new to me. These are my first acros.

I'm also still a little confused that a coral can be growing so well (probably 1" in the past 2 months) and simultaneously be showing signs of STN/RTN. Is it some sort of bacterial infection that can be cured? Ok, I'm doing a search I need to read up, but if anyone has dealt with this before give me a little advice.