Kamie427

maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan, i think my koko worm is dead. daaaaaaaang it. But how do i know for sure I haven't been home in 3 weeks, but i've been popping in whenever i can to check on everything. and it hasn't been out any of the times I've stopped by. It's usually very skiddish and shy, but it would always be popping in and out of its tube.....
I don't want to remove it if it's still alive, but I don't know how to tell. What should I do?

harpua2002

What are the water parameters? salinity? I'm hoping you were somehow able to top the tank off over the past 3 weeks...

Kamie427

Harpua, all parameters were spot on. The calcium was a tiny bit lower than what I usually keep it at, but nothing major. The only thing I can think of was I did my first water change with the koko worm in the tank. Maybe I stressed it too much and killed it? I used RO water, so I don't think the water was the problem. I don't know.
When I did check ups I topped it off, and did one water change during the three weeks. I'll be home for good on Sunday and I'll keep a close eye on the worm to see if it emerges. If not, should I assume it's dead?

harpua2002

What is the salinity? What do you mean by "spot on"? It's really helpful to have actual numbers.

I doubt that your water change was the problem. Coco worms don't tend to do well in new tanks from what I understand. I've been wanting one for my 50 gallon, but I've been holding off on the purchase because the tank was upgraded in July (even though it's been set up over a year). They've just been one of those animals that I've decided to wait for, even though I'm dying to get my hands on one, lol.

If the worm doesn't come out in the next couple of days, I'd assume it is dead. I'd advise letting the tank mature for a few more months if you want to try another one.

Kamie427

Salinity is around 1.025. pH 8.4. Temp is usually 80-82. I usually keep my calcium levels at about 495, which I read is a little high, but any lower and my corals aren't as lively and seem less happy.
But luckily my little coco poked out today. I guess he was just mad I hadn't been home...that's the most logical explanation