Sorry about your loss Tanzy.
Every time i leave the house for an extended period i coach and preach the needs of my creatures. But still i worry that something will go wrong. Many of my friends think i'm nuts but im sure my fellow reefers know what i mean.
Your tank may cycle quicker than you...
I have to believe that your leather is either searching for more light or water flow or both. I have numerous different types of leathers in my tanks and i have seen what appear to be abrasions on the stalk. Are they stretch marks? Blisters? I'm really not sure but they may go away just by...