massive die off of corals

Question
Hi Bill,

I have had a 75 gal. tank for a about 5 years and had a good variety of soft corals growing in there successfully for sometime now. About 2 weeks ago I noticed a few of my mushrooms begin to melt away and didn't think much of it until a week later a whole rock covered in 'rooms was total wiped. I have taken whats left of my 5" diameter open brain and been given it a treatment of Lugol's when I make the water change and I think it's been slowing the death, but it seems I am losing that too. Almost all that is left is the crown and the plate is almost all skeleton.
Since then I have been trying to make regular water changes about every other day using only DI water and mixing about 5-6 gals over night. I have tested for Ammonia and Nitrates with hardly any sign. My PH and Alkalinity hasn't changed.

The 'melting' has continued to spread and I am losing more corals every day. The algae bloom from all the added nutrients is almost too much to keep up with. The Halimeda that grown in my tank has been going nuts though but it also may be causing a problem since they take up a lot of light.

So far my Xinia, devils hand and Star Polyps are surviving the devastation. My Elk Horn Coral is holding out too but I only think this is because it's all closer to the lights. But the mushrooms and others about half wasted. Is there anything I can do to help stop the creep of this killer??

Thanks Kurt

Answer
Hello Kurt,

I appreciate your message, it is very complete with everything anyone can want and use to hopefully figure this out.

Obviously with what yuo presented, it doesnt seem to be any of the 'usual' suspects.  That is great to rule out.

I am suspecting that maybe you have some 'stray voltage' issues, or contamination issues.


If you are 'handy' and own a 'volt/ohm' meter, (teh cheap electrical meter from radio shack or similar will do) Put the meter on AC voltage, and put it on the 120 volt scale, or whatever scale is close to but over 120 volts, and touch one lead, it doesnt matter which, to the screw on teh wall or outlet plate, and put the other lead into the water.

Ifthe meter moves, you have a problem with somethingleaking electrictiy into the tank.

Start unplugging one device, and repeat the test, if no change, plug it back in and try the next item.


If it is contamination, i am not sure how to resolve the issue, without first finding out what is the contaminate and then figure out how...

There is a water testing facility called aquarium water testing
(http://aquariumwatertesting.com/).  There are otehr companies as well, and you are more then welcome to search and pick and choose the best deal for your circumstance.

I highly reccomend doing that regardless, just so you can compare your 'routine' test results with professional testing.


Please let us know if there are other questions or if you have more information.



Mr. Bill