Any diatom (?) experts here?

[Paleozoic_reefer]

Over the past several months I’ve had this yellow rust-like surface growing and killing my GSP.

Under my microscope X10 the oraganisms look like this…

They don’t move or have any reaction. Couldn’t find anything on the internet or reverse image searches. So I’m wondering if these diatoms or something else. I’m sure there is some kind of nutrient imbalance going on in my tank but I would like to know who this culprit is!

 

[Miami Reef]

It kind of looks like parts of the GSP is dying and leaving behind its remains.

A healthy coral wouldn’t allow diatoms to settle on it. The microscope image doesn’t look like diatoms to me.

 

[Paleozoic_reefer]

It kind of looks like parts of the GSP is dying and leaving behind its remains.

A healthy coral wouldn’t allow diatoms to settle on it. The microscope image doesn’t look like diatoms to

You were 100% correct! I took one polyp and placed it under the scope and it does seem to be an internal part of the GSP! Thanks @Miami Reef…

 

[Miami Reef]

Thanks for the update.

I wonder what’s causing this death. It looks like the outer edges are most afflicted.

How are the other corals doing? Do they have similar, but less pronounced symptoms, too?

 

[Paleozoic_reefer]

Thanks for the update.

I wonder what’s causing this death. It looks like the outer edges are most afflicted.

How are the other corals doing? Do they have similar, but less pronounced symptoms, too?

It’s a softie tank and as far as I can tell nothing has been affected like the GSP. It used to cover the whole back wall but now covers about 1/2 of it. It does seem to be most affected near the areas where the return pump flows the most water.

 

[BristleWormHater]

It’s a softie tank and as far as I can tell nothing has been affected like the GSP. It used to cover the whole back wall but now covers about 1/2 of it. It does seem to be most affected near the areas where the return pump flows the most water.

That yellow is suspicious, maybe a coral-eating sponge?

 

[Paleozoic_reefer]

That yellow is suspicious, maybe a coral-eating sponge?

Unfortunately (?) I don’t think they’re the culprit. I got tons of yellow sponges in this tank and have had for years.

 

[MnFish1]

Seems like coral warfare. Most people want to rid themselves from GSP

 

[Miami Reef]

I don’t see any corals directly touching the GSP dead spots, so coral warfare from direct contact isn’t likely.

However, there could be toxins from the leather corals that might irritate the other corals. Changing the activated carbon will provide assurance that there aren’t any toxins building up.

Changing about 25% of the water will help refresh the tank.

Please report back.

 

[MnFish1]

I don’t see any corals directly touching the GSP dead spots, so coral warfare from direct contact isn’t likely.

However, there could be toxins from the leather corals that might irritate the other corals. Changing the activated carbon will help, and provide assurance that there aren’t any toxins building up.

Changing about 25% of the water will help refresh the tank.

Please report back.

Coral warfare does not require direct touching...

 

[Miami Reef]

Coral warfare does not require direct touching...

Did you not read where I mentioned that it could come from indirect contact? That’s why I suggested they change the activated carbon and some water.

 

[MnFish1]

Did you not read where I mentioned that it could come from indirect contact? That’s why I suggested they change the activated carbon and some water.

Yes I read what you wrote. I was merely emphasizing the point.

 

[Dan_P]

It’s a softie tank and as far as I can tell nothing has been affected like the GSP. It used to cover the whole back wall but now covers about 1/2 of it. It does seem to be most affected near the areas where the return pump flows the most water.

The aquarium could be reaching the point of being overgrown. The carrying capacity, the system’s capability to sustain healthy coral, might be at a point where losing coral is normal.