Are My Friends Button Polyps Melting?

+1 missionsix, it's zooxanthellae. It's normally a reaction to extreme stress, a last ditch effort to save its genetics before the host colony dies.

They can recover, but it will be a very slow recovery - if at all.

On the subject of captive animals and their treatment, if I may...I think anyone who ignores sound advice and kills their tank by doing something as stupid as adding salt directly to the DT after anyone at all has suggested they don't do it should probably have their tanks removed. I personally would probably go so far as to call the humane society or SPCA and see if anyone on staff could have a good talk with the person about responsible pet ownership. If that person knows anything about aquariums, all the better, but pet ownership as a whole encompasses corals. Corals aren't cuddly, they don't make sounds or need to go for walks but they ARE living animals whom are dependent upon their keepers for their long term survival in captivity. No matter how you slice it, it's still negligent animal abuse. I would say it would be similar to pouring boiling water on a dog because you're too lazy to give it a proper bath. It might live, but it's not right, and you should know better.

-Doug

 

I understand..ive had tanks for years..i didnt do it..and iam positve he learned his lesson..he says he will only buy water from LFS from now on..as to the ASPCA or humane societies involvement in a situation like this is almost comical..if he wanted to fry the fish and eat them there is nothing they could do at all..so idk..but it did give me, my girlfriend, roommate, and my LFS a good laugh..altho the concern is taken seriously..the level certain ppl get worked up over a misjudgment and a couple dead polyps is too much sometimes..comical to be nice..