Troubleshooting hammer coral issues

[shinobi_ku]

I got this hammer coral from the LFS about 3 months ago and it's been thriving, but now it's going downhill. The parts that are dying have this weird white film all over them - I'm stumped. I did a water change recently, figuring that'd help, but no such luck.

[shinobi_ku]

Still having issues, can't get a picture up for some reason.

[fleeton]

Is it a wall or branching type? I've been reading that walls can be tough to keep, especially if it's been fragged - you gotta cut through the flesh of the coral itself, which doesn't sound great. Would really help to see a pic of it though.

[zenoxa]

Here's a link that might be helpful, it's an article about coral care from Advanced Aquarist.

[sweetie_22]

Thanks for the Euphyllia link zenoxa, that's actually really helpful.

[shinobi_ku]

Thanks for the info, I've since found out mine's a wall type. It was thriving until recently and I'm really attached to it. I'm kicking myself for not doing more research beforehand, I had no idea there were two different species. Has anyone here had success keeping these corals? What's the mortality rate like? Is there anything I can do to save it or stop the decline?

[felinxo]

Unfortunately, long-term prospects aren't great. I've got a buddy in our club who's had one going strong for about 2 years, but personally, I've had a tough time. In my pursuit of the perfect orange hammer, I've lost 4 and nearly $1200. My most recent one was the best I've had - largest, most orange, and I got it for the lowest price, $270. Yet, every morning I'm on edge, waiting to see how it's doing. It's been almost 2 months now, and so far, so good. But I know time is working against me.

[shinobi_ku]

I'm considering fragging the area where the tissue is dying, but I'm not sure if it's worth the risk. My hammer coral has these beautiful orange and purple tips with green tentacles, it's really a shame to see it struggling. I thought I got a great deal on it for $100, especially since the LFS had a bunch of frags that all looked perfect. The owner assured me they were easy to keep, but now I'm wondering if he was just trying to make a sale or if the frags were fresh from the wholesaler and just looked healthy at the time.

[felinxo]

You confirmed it's a wall type. Honestly, fragging isn't an option if you want my opinion. It'll probably end up as a paperweight, sadly. I'm really sorry to say that, but I'm trying to be realistic here.

[nixora]

Unfortunately, long-term prospects aren't great. I've got a buddy in our club who's had one going strong for about 2 years, but personally, I've had a tough time. In my pursuit of the perfect orange hammer, I've lost 4 and nearly $1200. My most recent one was the best I've had - largest, most orange, and I got it for the lowest price, $270. Yet, every morning I'm on edge, waiting to see how it's doing. It's been almost 2 months now, and so far, so good. But I know time is working against me.

My wall hammer did great for a few months too, then it started going downhill just like yours.