Struggling to keep a gold torch coral healthy

[Kalixar]

I've got a 2.5 year old gold torch that's taken a turn for the worse. Started about a week ago and it's been a steady decline. No alk swings, and all my other corals - SPS, LPS, the works - are doing just fine.

My water params are pH 8.1, Alk 9.6 dKH, Temp 75.5-76, and SG 1.025. I tried a Revive dip yesterday, but that seemed to stress it out even more. Maybe it's time to move it to the frag system and try to give it some TLC? A Lugols dip might be worth a shot, too.

It's tough watching my favorite coral go downhill. You can see the flesh recession in the pics I posted, and I've also included some shots of my other LPS corals in the system for comparison.

Any suggestions would be great, thanks.

[ravenoak]

I'd also run tests for magnesium, calcium, and phosphates. My experience with my own torch is that it's usually the first to show signs of stress when something's off with the water.

I'm a firm believer in dipping corals when they're first introduced to the tank, but after that, I leave them be. Dipping a stressed coral just seems to cause more harm than good, if you ask me.

Have you made any changes or additions to the tank recently? And when was your last water change?

[fleeton]

On the bright side, the tissue doesn't seem to be receding, it just looks really stressed out.

[Kalixar]

I wish that were true, but unfortunately the tissue has indeed receded a significant amount, roughly 1/2" all the way around, with some areas being even worse.

It's really not looking good. I've taken steps to rule out environmental issues by placing it in the frag system, but sadly the decline continues at the same slow pace.

I've never experienced a serious coral loss before, and I have to say, it's absolutely heartbreaking to watch this one slowly deteriorate.

[kaitokaze]

I'm not seeing the recession you mentioned, the white parts look like growth to me. They appear to be getting too much flow. Was there a change with your powerhead or return line recently?

[Kalixar]

The flow hasn't changed - same spot, same pumps. The white part was previously covered by flesh, which has now receded up to the polyps. It's actually receded a total of 3/4" now, and the polyp extension is really low.