Caring For Leathers

[CageUK]

Yes I know, leathers are supposed to be ridiculously easy to care for!

I've had a problem with my large leather for ages and now my small leather is looking rather miserable.

Both of them extend their polyps but the problem is that they are both very saggy and the big one seems to be growing DOWN the rock and is looking very droopy almost like it's melting (although it's not). I know they get their glazed look from time to time but the general demeanor is not very healthy.

I've had some water issues which I'm working on at the moment:

Water stats are:

Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrates <>20ppm (polyfilter on order)
Phosphate .25
Calcium 410 (dosing to raise)
Alk 9 (been dosing)
PH <>8.1 (buffering to bring it up)
Have magnesium test kit and supplement on order
Having done some reading and I'm no longer sure that Iodine testing/dosing is necessary but am happy to be advised otherwise (apparently it is easy and damaging to overdose)

So I've a little work to do on water chemistry but it's not a million miles out.

The large one has never done very well and because it has sort of grown down the rock I and really not wanting to cut it away from the rock to relocate it.
The small frag has always been quite pert but has not really grown. I've relocated it from the bottom left to the top of the tank and that seemed to perk it up again for a few days but now it's wilted again.

They are clearly not happy but I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong or what I may have missed. My research just tells me how easy they are to look after...PAH!

Any advice?

Seffie... what does THE BOOK say about these guys?

Some pics

Little one now drooping

Big one very droopy

 

[seffieuk]

Well Cage......... THE BOOK says:

Not fond of heavy currents (although not sure about raisons!)
All shed a surface layer of dead waxy tissue from time to time (mine seems to do this if I knock it, it sulks for about three days then sheds, then takes a couple more days for it to be happy). Apparently THE BOOK says it is not a regeneration action but serves to rid the surface area of algae, waste or anything that has landed on it - does yours get anything on it regualrly? During shedding many people apparently see a sick looking and withdrawn toadstool - certainly can agree with this, mine really sulks.

Apparently there are several species of nudibranch and parasites that feed on the tissue. THE BOOk suggests: a five minute dip in freshwater of the same temp. to remove them. The author left his in for four hours (in the lugols) by mistake and it still recovered. You can also do an extended dip of 10 drops of lugols solution to 1 litre of water (whatever lugols solution is)

Apparently some can start to degenerate and become chessy because of poor tank conditions (which we know is not your tank) but it goes on to say some toxins or improper lighting can make them go necrotic. If they become necrotic you can cut off the affected area with a razor blade.

Very easy to propergate by cutting a slice from the base

All the best

Seffie x



Just noticed that Euphyllia is very close - could it's sweeper tenticals be stinging the poor toadstool?

 

[CageUK]

Just noticed that Euphyllia is very close - could it's sweeper tenticals be stinging the poor toadstool?

Well spotted about the Euphyllia. I put the leather up there first of all to see if the extra light would perk it up a bit. It was looking sad and soggy near the bottom of the tank as well. It is a possibility but I'm not sure if the hammer would see the leather as a threat. I thought I would test the position first with the intention of moving it should I suspect interference from the hammer.

All shed a surface layer of dead waxy tissue from time to time (mine seems to do this if I knock it, it sulks for about three days then sheds, then takes a couple more days for it to be happy). Apparently THE BOOK says it is not a regeneration action but serves to rid the surface area of algae, waste or anything that has landed on it - does yours get anything on it regualrly? During shedding many people apparently see a sick looking and withdrawn toadstool - certainly can agree with this, mine really sulks.

The leathers seem to be in an almost permanent state of sulk although the polyps are extended most days it is just always sad and droopy.

Interesting what THE BOOK says about parasites, I'd not heard that one before. Nothing noticeable but then again I don't know how big these guys would have to be. I'm pretty certain I have no nudibranch in there but as for other parasites?
Getting a freshwater dip would be an pain so I hope I don't have to resort to that. It would mean pulling the tank apart to get to it's rock. As I understand it, you should not cut leathers within the tank because they can release toxins so it should be done out of tank.

Apparently some can start to degenerate and become chessy because of poor tank conditions (which we know is not your tank) but it goes on to say some toxins or improper lighting can make them go necrotic. If they become necrotic you can cut off the affected area with a razor blade.

I'm not making any assumptions though of my water quality as there are still several things I have not yet tested for. Also I don't know how sensitive leathers are to nitrates, so this could well be one of the reasons (not seen it mentioned though during my research).

The other thing I have though of is the rock that the big leather sits on is a favourite haunt of the shrimpster. Maybe he is stressing the leather out. Although he has not always been there and it wouldn't account for the little leather.

I appreciate you taking the time to look in THE BOOK for me seffie, it has given more info than I have been able to find so far! I may have to invest in a copy (and to my wallet I apologise).

 

[seffieuk]

You are very welcome

Seffie x

 

[DarrenUnwin]

I'm in agreement with the other replies, my leather doesnt like anything touching it, their rgidity comes from the water that they contain in the internal tissue.

About a month ago I had to empty my tank to decorate the room and basically it shrivelled and expelled loads of water from it in the handling process and ended up looking like it had given up the will to live. Since I put it back I also noticed my cleaner shrimp which liked hanging around it had found another over hang and the leather coral is back at its best.

Good luck.