[jsgates]

I am trying to decide whether or not I should dip my hammer coral. It is about 1.5 month old and has been doing well. Water parameters are good I haven't had any problems with other corals. Noticed this evening that the very right edge of skeleton is white instead of purple, almost as if the tissue is receding there. However, the coral does not have any brown jelly or anything on it and other than the edge, appears to be in could health. Should I dip this coral, and if so, what type of coral dip is recommended for this? Thanks for any info. I don't want to lose my hammer, so if this is possibly a disease I'd like to catch it early.

[jimw369]

If the white is right where the tenticles come out of the head that usually means a sign of growth. A good sign.

[jsgates]

This appeared to be some kind of bacteria infection. My bubble coral also had a little brown on the skeleton edges, but not on the corals flesh. I dipped them both yesterday for about 15 in the Seachem Coral Dissenfectant (coral dip). The hammer looked a lot better after the dip as did the bubble. However, the bubble had a little brown on the skeleton again around noon today, so I dipped both corals again today for about 15 mins, but mixed the dip solution a bit stronger per the instructions. Should I continue dipping the bubble daily until I no longer see the brown coming back onto the skeleton? This is not on the coral flesh, but only appears on the skeleton. Thanks.

[Tonz of fun]

I would hold off on the dippings, I never do the recommended amount either, i always use less solution and dont dip the whole recommended time. Coral dips are harsh and a last resort IMO. I would also dip them in plan salt water from your tank before adding them back into your tank.

[yvr]

I dip all my new corals in an iodine bath like Tropic Marin Pro Coral Cure before introducing them into my tank. I get a bit paranoid about introducing things like flatworms into my display tanks. I also believe that dipping a new coral in an iodine solution helps it recover from the stress of transport and reduces the chance of microbial/bacterial infection on the new coral. In this application the iodine will act as an antiseptic and hopefully kill and or prevent the spread of the tissue necrosis.