wondering if anyone can tell what this is

[lReef lKeeper]

does anyone know ?? it use to be full of fleshy, bubble type polyps (like the one by the heater). now that is the only one, it just started dying off little by little.

Attachment 2147

[PurpleAardvark]

It is a mostly dead bubble coral with some aptasia. Did you get that from Aquarium Superstore? Sorry it was my other personallity that said that.

[Fatman]

Yea dead exoskeleton of a bubble coral.

[lReef lKeeper]

you guys know of any way to bring it back to life ?? will the one remaning live piece spread all over it again ??

[Reef_Angel]

Hey Bobby, that also looks like the skeleton of a branching hammer coral. I have a live one that looks very similar to what you are showing there. As far as it coming back to life, I'd need some extra info. Had it been out of water for any period of time? The reason I'm asking is this: It only takes a cell to be alive on a coral that appears dead to come back to life. If it was out of the water for a long period of time, then I'd say there's more than likely no hope, but I have had hammers come back and shock the pants off of me! One cell...that's all it takes. Put it in a well lit area of your tank with a nice med flow, and wait, and wait, and wait. You just never know. If you'd rather not leave something dead and ugly in your tank, then bleach it! They make beautiful pieces in your tank for decoration! Good luck, and don't forget to chant over it in some language that I wouldn't even know. Heck, just make something up!! :p Good Luck! ....Angel :angel1:

PS. I should have read a little closer, but you are right about it probably being a bubble skeleton. Cut away the live section of the coral with the bubbles. It looks like some kind of disease wiped out the rest, and it will eventually take those also. Do a quick fresh water dip on it and then set it somewhere special where you can baby it. It will grow and be beautiful again if you can save it. Dip the dead stalk in fresh water also...of course, after you dip the little piece still hanging on. Feed that small piece brine shrimp or mysis each day since it would appear that it must have a mouth in that area. They love to be fed!! Sorry for any confustion! I just like to give any living thing a chance if it's at all possible! Again, may the good luck of the reefer be with you!! :smile:

[RWalston]

Look like a hammer to me to. E. anchora

[Jeremy Blaze]

Deffinatly a bubble coral. If the live part is still there, I would cut away that part of the skeleton from the rest. Place it in an area of low to moderete flow, and med light. try feeding it as well.