𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐉𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐬:
𝐀 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞

What is Brown Jelly Disease?

Brown Jelly Disease (BJD) is a severe and often fatal disease that primarily affects corals, especially LPS corals such as Torch, Hammer, Frogspawn, and Bubble corals. Named for the brown, jelly-like mucus that forms on infected corals, BJD is both a bacterial and protozoan infection. This aggressive disease can spread rapidly, decimating corals within a few days if not treated promptly.

Symptoms of Brown Jelly Disease

• Brown Mucus: The hallmark symptom is the appearance of brown, slimy mucus covering coral tissue.
• Tissue Necrosis: Rapid tissue degeneration, often starting at the base and spreading to other areas.
• Polyp Retraction: Coral polyps retract and may not extend during the day.
• Foul Smell: A distinct, unpleasant odor may emanate from the affected coral.
• Spread to Adjacent Corals: If left untreated, the disease can spread to nearby corals via water flow.

Corals Most Susceptible to BJD

• LPS Corals: Torch, Hammer, Frogspawn, Bubble, Acans, and other large polyp stony corals.
• Other Corals: Occasionally affects Soft Corals and SPS (Small Polyp Stony) Corals but that is rare.

Causes of Brown Jelly Disease

The exact cause of BJD is not well-understood, but it is believed to be triggered by a combination of stress factors and pathogens, such as:

• Bacterial Infections: Caused by opportunistic bacteria like Vibrio spp. that thrive in compromised corals.
• Protozoan Infections: In some cases, protozoans like Philaster lucinda have been identified as contributors.
• Environmental Stress: Poor water quality, sudden temperature fluctuations, and changes in salinity can weaken corals, making them more susceptible.
• Physical Damage: Corals with physical injuries are more prone to developing BJD, as damaged tissue becomes a target for pathogens.
• Improper Flow: Inadequate or excessive flow can stress corals, leading to a higher risk of infection.

Diagnosis and Differentiation from Other Diseases

Diagnosing BJD involves observing the coral's symptoms and differentiating it from other diseases with similar presentations. Here's how BJD differs:

• BJD vs. Tissue Necrosis: Unlike regular tissue necrosis, BJD presents with a distinct, slimy, brown mucus that coats the coral.
• BJD vs. Fungal Infections: Fungal infections often appear as white, cotton-like growths, whereas BJD has a brown, gelatinous appearance.
• BJD vs. Algal Overgrowth: Algal overgrowth is usually greenish and attaches to the surface of the coral, while BJD has a more fluid, slimy consistency.

To confirm the presence of BJD, you can use a 400x microscope to observe the brown mucus closely, which often contains moving protozoans, indicating the presence of infection.

Emergency Treatment Options for Brown Jelly Disease

Immediate treatment is critical to prevent the disease from spreading and to improve the chances of saving the infected coral.

Step-by-Step Emergency Action Plan

1. Isolate the Coral: Remove the infected coral from the main display tank if possible.

Tamara's Pro Tip: I submerge a tupperware into the tank and place the coral as gently as possible into the tupperware and seal the lid on tightly to limit the potential spread of the disease while removing the coral from the tank.

2. Siphon the Brown Jelly: Use a turkey baster or siphon hose to gently remove the brown mucus from the coral without agitating it.

3. Prepare a Coral Dip: Use iodine-based dips or hydrogen peroxide dips to treat the coral. Water should be prepared before dipping the coral into the dip. After adding the chemical make sure to thoroughly mix the water.

• • • Iodine Dip: Mix 10-20 drops of Lugol's Iodine per gallon of tank water in a separate container.
    • Hydrogen Peroxide Dip: Mix 3% hydrogen peroxide in tank water:
      • 10-20 mL of per liter of water.
      • 1 teaspoon per cup of water.
      • 5 tablespoons per gallon of water.

4. Perform the Dip: Submerge the affected coral in the dip solution for 5-10 minutes, depending on its tolerance.

Tamara's Pro Tip: Be sure to swirl the water during the dip to make sure all of the surfaces of the coral are getting exposure.

5. Rinse the Coral: Rinse the coral in a separate container of clean tank water to remove residual dip solution.

Tamara's Pro Tip: I like to rinse it in two separate containers before adding it into my tank just to make sure to remove all chemicals but also and mucus that might have sloughed off.

6. Return the Coral: Place the coral back in the tank or a quarantine tank, ensuring proper flow and water conditions.

Tamara’s Pro Tip: Always observe the coral for at least 30 minutes after returning it to the tank or quarantine system to ensure no adverse reactions to the treatment.

Chart: Medications for Quarantine/In-Tank Treatment

Clarify Medication Use

Certain medications may not be readily available or are restricted due to regulations in various countries. Here’s an updated list with regional considerations:

• Nitrofurazone: This antibiotic has limited availability due to restrictions in some countries. It may require a prescription or be sold only for veterinary use. Hobbyists should check local laws and regulations before attempting to acquire or use it.
• Erythromycin: Widely available, though it may also be subject to restrictions. It’s often used in human and veterinary medicine, making it easier to find, but ensure it is labeled for aquarium use.
• Ciprofloxacin: Ciprofloxacin can be challenging to find, as it’s generally prescription-only. It's important to consult with a veterinarian to ensure proper use.
• Kanamycin: Similar to erythromycin, kanamycin is typically easier to acquire but should be used with caution. Check that it is formulated for fish or aquarium use.

Tamara's Pro Tip: When purchasing medications, look for products labeled specifically for aquarium or fish use to ensure proper concentration and safety.

Chart: Coral Dip Treatments for BJD

Preventing Brown Jelly Disease

Prevention is key to keeping corals healthy and avoiding BJD outbreaks.

Water Quality Maintenance

• Keep Parameters Stable: Consistent pH, temperature, salinity, and alkalinity are crucial.
• Frequent Water Changes: Perform regular water changes to remove accumulated organics.
• Ensure Proper Flow: Maintain sufficient flow to prevent stagnant areas where BJD can thrive.

Coral Placement & Acclimation

• Proper Acclimation: Use drip acclimation to reduce stress when introducing new corals.
• Space Corals Properly: Provide enough space to prevent coral aggression and tissue damage, which can lead to infections.

Monitor Corals Regularly

• Check for Early Signs: Inspect corals daily for any signs of stress or mucus development.
• Use Coral Dips for New Arrivals: Dip new corals before introducing them to the main tank.

Supportive Care for Affected Corals

• Increase Aeration: Use air stones or adjust flow to ensure better oxygen levels.
• Add Activated Carbon: Helps remove toxins and improve water clarity.
• Use Vitamin Supplements: Boost coral immune response with vitamin-enriched foods.

Recovery Process After BJD Treatment

Coral recovery after BJD treatment depends on various factors, including the severity of the infection, the coral species, and overall water quality. Consider these key points during the recovery phase:

• Tissue Regrowth: Corals may start to show new tissue growth within 1-2 weeks after successful treatment. However, complete healing can take weeks to months, depending on the coral type and the extent of tissue loss.
• Color Restoration: The color of recovered coral tissue may initially appear pale or bleached. Over time, with stable water conditions and proper lighting, color restoration should occur.
• Long-term Monitoring: Continue to monitor corals for signs of recurring symptoms, such as brown mucus or tissue retraction. This can indicate either an incomplete initial treatment or reinfection.
• Ongoing Maintenance: Maintain consistent water parameters, adequate flow, and vitamin supplementation during recovery. Regularly inspect affected corals to ensure they are not being overtaken by algae, as exposed skeletons are more prone to algal growth.

Tamara's Pro Tip: Use a high-quality amino acid supplement and coral food to boost the coral’s energy levels, supporting tissue growth and color restoration.

Myths and Misconceptions About Brown Jelly Disease

1. Myth: BJD Only Affects LPS Corals
   • Fact: While LPS corals are most susceptible, other corals like SPS and soft corals can also be affected in rare cases.
2. Myth: BJD Is Always Caused by Poor Water Quality
   • Fact: BJD can develop in tanks with excellent water quality if corals are stressed or injured.
3. Myth: All BJD Cases Are Untreatable
   • Fact: Early intervention with the right treatments can save infected corals.

4. Myth: All Brown Mucus on Corals Indicates BJD
   • Fact: Not all brown mucus is caused by BJD; it could be a result of other conditions like increased slime production due to stress or mild bacterial infections. Proper diagnosis is crucial.
5. Myth: BJD Will Clear Up on Its Own
   • Fact: BJD is highly aggressive and rarely resolves without treatment. Early and appropriate intervention is essential.
6. Myth: Using Antibiotics in the Main Display Tank Is Safe
   • Fact: Most antibiotics are not reef-safe and can harm beneficial bacteria, corals, and other invertebrates. Use in a quarantine tank whenever possible.
7. Myth: Frequent Dips Alone Will Cure BJD
   • Fact: Dips can help manage external symptoms but often need to be combined with other treatments, like antibiotics or improved water quality, for complete resolution.
8. Myth: BJD only affects weakened or unhealthy corals.
   • Fact: Even healthy corals in ideal water conditions can contract BJD if exposed to pathogens.
9. Myth: Brown jelly can be manually scraped off to cure the coral.
   • Fact: Scraping often worsens the situation by spreading the infection.

FAQs About Brown Jelly Disease

1. How can I prevent BJD in my reef tank?

   • Maintain stable water conditions, properly acclimate new corals, perform regular water changes, and use coral dips for new arrivals. Avoid overcrowding to reduce stress and tissue damage.

2. Can BJD spread to other corals?

   • Yes, BJD spreads quickly via water flow, potentially infecting neighboring corals. Prompt isolation of the affected coral can help prevent spreading.

3. Is Brown Jelly Disease contagious?

   • Yes, BJD can spread to other corals through waterborne pathogens. Proper isolation and treatment are essential to contain the disease.

4. Can I use hydrogen peroxide dips on all corals?

   • While generally safe for LPS and some soft corals, use lower concentrations and shorter dip durations to prevent tissue damage. Avoid using on sensitive SPS corals.

5. How do I know if the treatment is working?

   • The brown mucus should begin to clear, and the coral’s tissue should show signs of recovery, such as better polyp extension. Continue monitoring closely for any signs of relapse.

6. Can I use herbal treatments for BJD?

   • Herbal remedies, like Melafix, may help manage mild bacterial infections but are generally not sufficient for severe cases of BJD. They are best used as supportive care alongside more aggressive treatments.

7. Are there natural alternatives for treating BJD?

   • Improving water quality, increasing flow, using activated carbon, and adding vitamin supplements are natural ways to support coral recovery. Dips and antibiotics may still be needed for severe cases.

8. Can coral recover fully after BJD?

   • Yes, corals can recover from BJD if the infection is caught early and treated promptly. However, severe cases may result in permanent tissue loss or slow recovery.

Conclusion

Brown Jelly Disease is one of the most aggressive infections in reef aquariums, primarily affecting LPS corals. Early detection, prompt intervention, and effective treatment are crucial to controlling this disease and preventing it from spreading to other corals. By maintaining stable water quality, properly acclimating corals, and using appropriate medications and dips, you can improve the chances of saving infected corals and maintaining a healthy reef tank.

In addition to treatment, hobbyists should focus on preventive measures such as regular tank maintenance, careful coral placement, and using coral dips for new additions. With proper care and attention, the threat of BJD can be minimized, leading to a more stable and thriving reef environment.

Happy Reefing!

References:

• Sweet, M., Craggs, J., Robson, J., & Bythell, J. (2013). Assessment of the microbial communities associated with white syndrome and brown jelly syndrome in aquarium corals. Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research, 1(1), 20–27. https://doi.org/10.19227/jzar.v1i1.21

• Reef Builders. (2024, April 1). The cure to brown jelly: A common household item. Reef Builders. https://reefbuilders.com/2024/04/01/the-cure-to-brown-jelly-a-common-household-item/

• Reef2Reef. (n.d.). Experimenting with in-tank antibiotic treatments for Brown Jelly Disease. Reef2Reef. https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/experimenting-with-in-tank-antibiotic-treatments-for-brown-jelly-disease.791/

• AquaBiomics. (n.d.). What are suspected coral pathogens? AquaBiomics. https://aquabiomics.com/faq/what-are-suspected-coral-pathogens