Is it possible???

[hinancc]

Let me preface this by stating that I am a newbie both to MR and to reefkeeping....
So is it possible that a blue-legged hermit crab could have "punctured" my candy cane/trumpet coral? Parts of it seem "deflated" this afternoon like they were pierced or punctured.

 

[reefman]

anything is possible, but i doubt it. i find water par/lighting/flow n other conditions r usually the culprit for "deflated" lps.

 

[mckostya]

hermits are reef safe, its probably around candy cane because its dying or rtn.

 

[marki24]

welcome to MR. NIce to see another reefer from the area. Getting back to your question. How long have you had the candy cane?? Most likely your candycane is not like its tank environment and it could be for a few reasons, like lighting, water parameters, or flow. Good luck, if you need help LMK. happy reefkeeping

 

[hinancc]

Ok...
So my husband tested the water this morning and it is as follows:
Nitrite 0
Ammonia 0
Nitrate 0
Spec. Gravity .023
Phosphate .5
Calcium is above 520

I know that we need to lower the Phosphate and the calcium. He is doing a water change today. We have a cyano outbreak along the sand as well.

Let me mention that this is a 12g Aquapod with live sand, live rock, and has been up and running since March 1st (3 months now).

We have a torch, green star polyps, a colt coral, 1 florida ric, a favia and we are nursing a fairly large sun coral colony back to health.

We also have a royal gramma and a ocellaris clown.

I will try and post pics in a few to show the progress and the corals.

 

[da5speed]

I would also check to see what the PH and Alk levers are. Also I keep my salt around 1.025 or 1.026.

 

[MatthewScars]

When you do the water change, turkey baster blast all the crap off the rocks. Check filter sponges or socks. Rinse out your cheato/other macro algae. Im guessing your ALK might be on the high side, dont dose (if you do) for a few days and it will drop.

You have some pretty hardy corals, i wouldnt worry too much. Do weekly water changes every week since you have a tiny tank. It will take you two seconds. If you use a salt high in CAL, think about using a lower cal or alk salt.

 

[hinancc]

When you do the water change, turkey baster blast all the crap off the rocks. Check filter sponges or socks. Rinse out your cheato/other macro algae. Im guessing your ALK might be on the high side, dont dose (if you do) for a few days and it will drop.

You have some pretty hardy corals, i wouldnt worry too much. Do weekly water changes every week since you have a tiny tank. It will take you two seconds. If you use a salt high in CAL, think about using a lower cal or alk salt.

I don't have chaeto yet but should be getting some this weekend. I was hoping to put it right into the tank ...in the back behind some rocks...or I have seen where people put it in a plastic soap/sponge holder suctioned to the glass. Will blow everything off, check the alk and check everything else once the water change is complete.

 

[hinancc]

I would also check to see what the PH and Alk levers are. Also I keep my salt around 1.025 or 1.026.

Forgot to mention my Ph levels are at 7.8 (before water change).

 

[da5speed]

the ph seems really low imo