Sick Hammer

[andy]

Yesterday, I had to clip one head off my two-head Hammer... it had definitely died, and was going to become skimmer goo so I clipped the head off. Now this morning, the other head is looking a bit under the weather.

Tank params are ok (SG 1.026, Ca 450, Alk a bit low at 6.4, NH4/NO3/NO2 all at or near zero, temp 80*F) and the other Euphyllia in the tank (a green and a red Torch) are both looking just fine. Do Hammers have a reputataion for spontaneously croaking? I know they can sometimes button up and shut down for a bit, but the head I clipped yesterday was definitely dead.

Here's how the remaining head looked right after weekly maintenance this morning. Any ideas what could be going on?

http://reef.eldersign.org/images/sick-hammer.jpg

[andy]

Ooops, accidentally posted this here instead of the LPS forum. Mod, move please?

[Chief]

Thread moved.

Sorry, I have no idea other than getting your alk back inline. (scratch)

Jay

[Michael7979]

Was it covered in a brown "jelly" like looking stuff? i had this happen a long time ago to my torch and had to cut off the affected head(s), it later rebounded. No idea what caused it but you can look it up (brown jelly disease).

[andy]

Not really, the polyps retracted for a day or so then just melted. I didn't see any signed of infection, slime, parasites, etc. It just died. The other head looks a bit better this morning (scratch)

[impur]

I would guess the low alk too. This head doesn't look too bad, give it some time maybe try feeding it.

[andy]

My Alk buffer will arrive today, along with a new Seio (got sick and tired of futzing with a troublesome MJ mod). I'll bring the hardness into line and hopefully that'll please the Hammer. Thanks!

[impur]

Be sure to clean that Seio very often. I have 2 that i alternate, they stop working after about 3 weeks in my tank due to the amount i buffer i imagine.

[andy]

Yeah, I've heard that a lot. Once the Tunze nanos come out, it'll be in my next garage sale ;)