Help with leather coral name!

[Ghoff2323]

Hey guys! Somewhat new to coral care. I started off with a mushroom, but with my previous light it couldn't even care for the mushroom properly and we had a power outage that finally killed it off. I got my tank levels back to normal and purchased a new leather coral. I'm not sure of the exact type though. I was buying a few other things and forgot to get the exact name for it. I'm thinking it may be a cabbage coral but haven't seen any in this purple color. It looks to be a little limp and soggy looking. I think it may be stressed from moving but just want to make sure I have it placed properly in the tank. I have it towards the bottom left of my tank with power head some what pointed towards it for moderate flow.

I'm running a 30 gallon tank with a T5 light a 75 hang on filter, protein skimmer and power head.

 

[ActiveAngel]

You’re on the money; that’s a cabbage.

Your placement should be fine based on your description. They are hardy and can handle a lot. What is your water temperature, and your salinity? And how are you testing your salinity; with a Refractometer, or a hydrometer? If a mushroom just died and now a cabbage is not happy; one of these could be another contributing factor.

 

[Ghoff2323]

You’re on the money; that’s a cabbage.

Your placement should be fine based on your description. They are hardy and can handle a lot. What is your water temperature, and your salinity? And how are you testing your salinity; with a Refractometer, or a hydrometer? I’m just asking because if a mushroom just died and now he is not happy; one of these could be a contributing factor.

I usually keep my temps at right about 78-80. May need to adjust due to the new T5 lighting I've got. And I just tested salinity last night and it's a tad bit low so I'm thinking it may be what's got it upset. Sitting at about 27ppm. Going to try and get it up to 35 today and see how it does with that. Thanks for the reply!

 

[ActiveAngel]

Well sorry to say, 27ppt is deathly low. I had to look it up because most people in the hobby reference salinity using specific gravity, which 27 is equal to 1.019.

Ideally; i’d recommend aiming for a specific gravity of about 1.025. However, anywhere within 1.024 and 1.026 (~33-35ppt) is acceptable and no cause for concern. I would never allow it to get outside this given range. I have seen many corals die suddenly when at 1.023. Because yours was significantly lower; I believe low salinity was a primary if not the sole factor for your previous one dying and this one being upset.

I’d also recommend getting a refractometer immediately if you are using a hydrometer. Hydrometers are often faulty and prone to numerous errors. You can pick up refracts for $20 or so, and it’ll be one of the best investments that you will always use in this hobby.

Your temp is good. Maybe slightly hot. I prefer to keep mine at 78F, but as long as you’re keeping it under 80F and boost that salinity into the acceptable range; you should do great!

To raise salinity (you may know this already), never add the salt to your aquarium. Instead, drain/siphon/scoop out some tank water. Then add the salt to that and mix well. Wait 15 minutes or longer for the salt to fully dissolve and water to become clear (not cloudy). Then add this ‘super salty but clear’ water to your tank to bring your average salinity up until you reach your desired salinity.

 

[Ghoff2323]

Thanks for the reply! I'm using a refractometer now but I couldn't remember the exact number of salinity I was at but remembered the ppm. I'll get that up as soon. As possible! Thank you again

 

[ActiveAngel]

Anytime! After you get that up, wait a few days and post another photo. Best wishes!

 

[Ghoff2323]

Anytime! After you get that up, wait a few days and post another photo. Best wishes!

Will do thank you!