Brain coral trouble

[FFSchooley]

I can't take it anymore. I am getting stressed out. I just bought a green open brain from the fish store, which was looking really good, all opened up. I brought him home and placed him on the sandbed. It was all shriveled up from the ride, and only had two small spots of skeleton showing on top. Well, 4 days later, its still not opening, and now there is quite a bit more skeleton showing on top. About 5 or 6 spots. Its color is fine, and it ate some brine this morning. I did a search, and really didn't get much info. The only thing I got was maybe it was getting too much light, so I moved it to a more shaded spot. Its sits on the sand about 20" from the light. Any ideas on what is causing this? I hate getting stressed over sick corals. Thanks in advance.

25 Gallon
25 Lbs LR
40 Lbs LS
65W 10,000 - 65W actinic - 10 hours a day
Amm, NO2, NO3 = 0
Alk = medium
PH 8.2 - 8.4
temp = 78
Toadstool leather(who is sick too)
Finger leather
Green open brain
Lawnmower blenny
2 cleaner shrimp
Assorted snails

[digital_dragon]

What is your SG or Salinity levels? Also how old is your tank setup? How frequent are your water changes?

Earl

[FFSchooley]

I havn't tested my salinity. Going to the store today to get a test kit for that and calcium. My tank has been set up now for almost 3 months. I do a 15% water change every week with RO water.

[digital_dragon]

You need to get you a good hydrometer to test your SG or Salinity and you want to keep it about SG 1.025 or 35PPT. How are you testing you saltwater makeup if you are not testing SG or salinity with a hydrometer?

Earl

[FFSchooley]

I just have a test kit for Amm, NO2, NO3, Alk, and PH. I just took another look at the brain. Its showing alot of skeleton on top.

[digital_dragon]

What I meant by testing your salinity is how are you making up your saltwater to the proper salinity level or SG (Specific Gravity)?

You need to have a Hydrometer to get these readings. Are you just mixing the salt according to the packaging?

Get a Hydrometer they are around $8 to $12 at the LFS and see what your SG is if it is off the chart or too low that could be affecting the coral and won't be good for the other inhabitants in the tank.

Also are you toping off your tank with fresh RO Water on a daily basis to keep your Salinity Level's or SG in line with evaporation?

Earl

[FFSchooley]

I get RO water form my LFS for my water changes. I don't top off my tank until the next water change. I just got a hydrometer and Ca test kit, so I will go see what my readings are.

[Mrs Smith]

Hi there,
Knowing your salinity is absolutely crucial... I cannot believe a reputable LFS would help you setup a tank and not insist on this key tool. (A cheap swing arm should run you $10 or less...)

Being able to appropriately top off evaporation is also practically impossible without one... definitely check this first, as it's highly likely a source of problems.

Danielle

[FFSchooley]

Well, it turns out my salinity is off the charts(above 1.030). I have to re-check my calcium, it might be a little high as well. So what do I do about the salinity level?

[JennM]

OK I read your posts in reverse...

Calcium should be the least of your worries right now...

Are you buying fresh RO or pre-mixed saltwater?

I'm confused now

Jenn

[FFSchooley]

I posted this in my other thread, but to help clarify, I get my water pre-mixed from the LFS.

[JennM]

Does the LFS also sell fresh RO water? If they don't they might end up with a bunch of customers with the same problem you have.

Water evaporates, salt does not...

Jenn

[SouthernReefer]

no hydrometer for 3 months
i would return the open brain coral, it can be difficult to keep an open brain under pc only lighting, imo.

[JennM]

I respectfully disagree, SouthernReefer - if it's a Trachyphyllia sp, it's relatively easy to keep, under the right conditions. I have had one in a 29 g that I maintain, under 2 x 15 w NO lamps, for over a year now. It's growing - not exponentially, but it's growing and thriving. These can be found in fairly deep water (I read somewhere ~140 feet down) and the light is not intense.

I think that once the salinity issue is resolved, as long as there is no other issue, it should be OK - IF it isn't too late.

Jenn

[FFSchooley]

I sure appreciate all the help. Hopefully the salinity issue will resolve everything. I learned quite a few things today! Thanks to all. This forum is great!