Frustrated

[saltfan]

Well not sure were to start, I bought a Toad stool leather about 3 weeks ago and for the first 3 days she opened beautifully but has been closed ever since. And don't know why. I was advised by some of you great folks that I should test my magnesium and calcium since I never had prior and dint have the test kits for them. So I purchased the reef Foundation Pro by Red sea (triation) which includes Ca, KH and Mg. Pretty sure I did the KH test right but not sure on the Ca and Mg the numbers I got seem high. Just did water change on Monday using my ro/di water an IO salt.

Salinity: 1.025 ( refractometer)
PH: 8.1
Temp: 79
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: .5
Ammonia: 0
KH: 9.2 dkh
Mg: 1600
Ca: 500

Tank is RSM 130 All other live stock is fine including BTA , Condlactis Anthelia and Zoas
Any ideas

[whippetguy]

Poke it, if it's still firm, it may come around. If it's mushy, probably a goner. Have you tried moving it to a different location for different flow or lighting. I know mine likes pretty good flow. If those numbers are correct. Might want to mix up a new batch, test it and do another water change. Good luck.

[DaveK]

You can also give it the smell test. A good leather smells bad, a dead one will smell really foul and terrible.

Issues with leather corals often center around water quality or around acclimation. Of course, it's also possible that you got a bad one to start with. They do tend to decay from the base, so sometimes you can frag the top.

It should also be pointed out that to grow leathers will retract for a few days and shed a layer of "skin". This is normal. So if it's just retracted, leave it alone.

[steved13]

I hate to be captain obvious, but 2 things...Did you try testing again? And any chance you could post a pic of the toad stool?

[saltfan]

I have not smelled it but it is firm. It has poked out a few flowers ( whatever there called ) here and there but mostly retracted. I have also tried diff. locations for flow and lighting and no change. Gonna test again tomorrow and will post pic when she was in all her glory and a pic of now. Also snails and shrimps are also doin great. Are the numbers I poste for Ca and Mg high?

[reefer gladness]

Are the numbers I poste for Ca and Mg high?

Ya, a bit on the high side. Calcium should normally be in the 400-450ppm range and magnesium about 1320ppm.

[saltfan]

Don't understand how they can be high, just changed water must be how I tested just got the kit and was my first time using it. How about the KH?

[jjmoneyman]

Your numbers are high but if you're using IO and not dosing then it's likely just testing error. If your toadie is still firm and put out a few polyps just let it be and it will likely come around. They sometimes do this and just take a little while getting used to your system.

[saltfan]

Nope I not dosing. Gonna test again tonight. eill post results and pics. thanks all

[Travis]

I would stop moving it around... I've seen lots of toadstools have an adjustment period where they... well... pout.

Moving it around will probably just kind of reset that period. I'll bet it comes around, just keep the water quality good, not too much light and good flow. They're tough corals.

[ddelozier]

Giving it some time and doing several Small(10%) water changes, ie every 2-4 days. When corals shrivle up, suck up/in, its because something about the conditions isnt to their liking. Could be lighting, try moving it up for 3-4 days, down. Increasing/decreasing flow.

Another thought just hit me. Do you test for Nitrates? Make up a batch of fresh SW for a water change, test it for CA, Alk, and Nitrates/phosphates. Do the test on the new water, Then on the tank water. THen do the WC. wait 24 hrs and retest.

Have you checked Amonia? Often when adding something to the tank, a small amonia spike happens, which can cause even good corals to suck up/in/down

[BigAl07]

Here are my


Leathers pout... some more than others... one reason they pout can be from stress (moving to new home.... new flow... new lights... new water params you name it). Another reason they "pout" is to shed (slough off) old skin, detritus, sand and other irritants from their skin. It happens and for no obvious reason some times.

I think Travis has given a good suggestion... put it somewhere you think is a good place and leave it alone... no changes and see what happens. So long as it's still showing some "Polyp Extension" (also known as PE or poked out a few flowers) it's not gone yet. Leathers are VERY tough and resilient so your best bet is to wait it out.

Good luck and happy reefing

[HUNTER1]

I have the same reef foundation pro kit and I can't seem to test it correctly. My mag is 1600 cal 500 and alk 12dkh in other words I'm using up all the titrant in the syringe.

[saltfan]

Well retested today

Ca: 475
DKH: 11.2
Mg: 1600

Still not satisfied Im testing right. here are a couple pics one in all her glory (first few days) and one I took tonight. but right after I took the one tonight and up loaded to photobook I looked and she had another 15 or so polyps out, so I guess I will wait and see. Als o a couple random pics just to share.

[reefer gladness]

This might help

Red Sea's new Alkalinity Pro Test-Kit - YouTube

Red Sea's new Calcium Pro Test-Kit - YouTube

Red Sea's new Magnesium Pro Test-Kit - YouTube

Edit: by the way, after watching the video for the magnesium I think the Salifert tests are much easier to use