Montipora Capricornis

[kashi63]

Hi,
I recently purchased a Montipora Capricornis. The past few days it has started to bleach in little areas in various places on the coral. I had the coral in medium waterflow but was sitting in the top half of the tank under one of my MH bulbs. Last night I moved it to nearer to the bottom, thinking maybe its having problems adjusting to the light.

Any suggestions? I did read and ask prior to purchasing and it seemed very healthy. I don't want to loose this coral.

Tanks Specs:
135 gal
3x250w Iwasaki w/ 320w actinic VHO
Excellent Flow: Dolphin Amp 3000(closed loop) & Mak4 Genx(returns)
Temp: 77-80
Salinity 1.025
PH 8.3
Note: Have SPS,LPS Soft, all doing fine

[mojoreef]

I would be carefull that it is not RTN. What you did is probibly what I would have done. Take a close look at the bleached area and see if it has receded back to pure skeleton, RTN usually starts on the lower ends of the coral but on caps anywhere along the edges.
If you determine that it is RTN here is something I have done in the past that has worked well for me. Take the coral out and quickly tap dry the affected area and coat that area with crazyglue make sure you get a little glue on the edge of the live tissue(this will make sure the RTN bacteria dies) blow on it just to develope a skin and put the coral back in.

Make sure it is RTN prior to doing this.

good luck
mike

[Big Dave]

Hey Mike-

What is RTN? I need my daily 'learn something new' for today still. Thanks!

-Big Dave

[mojoreef]

Hey Dave RTN is Rapid Tissue Narcossis. Its a nasty bacteria that can turn a stoney from beautiful to skeliton in hours. They dont have much info on its origin or where it comes from but you usually see in association with stress and sudden heat rises.
its the SPS guys worst nightmare.

Mike

[Big Dave]

Thanks Mike! You are a walking reef dictionary!

I can just see the wheels turning in the peanut gallery... No, Mike is a walking (insert funny here), love the comrodery here!

-Big Dave