Finger Leather not looking so good!

Finger leather looked like this when i bought him in July 05'

Now his base is all covered with Alger and shriveled up and looking bad.

Levels are good except Nitrates. They were up to 80 so i did a 30gal water change on a 105 gal which brought them down to 25ish and the leather has not been the same. I am still trying to lower the level with 10gal changes every other day. Could this have a bad effect on the leather going from 80 to 25ish instantly. Everything thing else is doing great, mushrooms are laying down my carpet is happen and expanded even the zoos are doing good.

What would cause a Leather to shrink up and grow algae on the base to the point that it is constantly shriveled up. It also does not look white anymore alway purple tint.

 

You might have shocked it with the massive water change. They like flow, did you put in the mid to top section? Looks like you need more cleaners, snails will eat the algae on his base. How long has it been since he shriveled up? Give me a bit more time, he'll come back. If there are signs of death that start to become apparant, you're in big trouble. :-/

 

Rickzter,

I did the water change last weekend and it's base has been like that since. I did just lose my clearner shirmps so i will have to go out and pick up a few.

The leather is mid to high with good flow with my SCWD.

What does death look like on a leather?

 

Leathers shed once in a while... i have one that shed every months.... it shrivels up and turns somewhat purple too. usually last about a day or 2. Give time and see what happens. Maybe its shedding cause of the stress of that bif of a WC. When a leather dies it pretty much melts away making a big mess. So you will know if it happens.

Marc.

 

Thanks M Lacom99, good to know that the leather is still alive no gooie mess in the tank yet. I have moved him into more current and closer the to light. I only have 260w on a 90gal so he should be good. Time will tell!

 

Exactly, wait it out a little. Can you get a pic of i now. Maybe by seeing it we could get a better idea of whats going on.

Marc.

 

I agree with m lacom99 its sheding. My leather sheds about 1-2 a month. Sometimes the leather will also look waxy, which is also normal.