is this STN?

Lugol's solution is 5% iodine and should be available at your local pharmacy... you may have to go to a mom and pop pharmacy, as CVS or "chain" stores may not carry it... it's commonly used as a coral dip...

most instructions say 40 drops to one gallon of aquarium water (from your tank, not RO/DI water) and soak the coral for 10-15 minutes...

If you manhandled the coral, I think you can rule out a pest... but you're right to think that you don't want the tissue to get infected...

Honestly, I have done this to my corals before and they all healed with time and are ok...

 

ok, i'll check some chemists and see what i can find.
what am i supposed to pick it up with to get from the tank to the dip?
i have some large stainless tweezers? or some nitile gloves? (not sure if the glove are the type lined with powder tho) or just be more careful and only touch the plug?
at least this experience has taught me a little bit more i guess.
thanks for all the assistance everyone, this hobby wouldnt be the same without 3reef

 

this.