Amputation for plate coral?

[ChrisAre]

Hey Guys,

I got this plate coral from my LFS for 5$ because it had this... degradation or whatever you want to call it. The owner wasn't sure if it would get better or worse, and I just figured I might as well try (especially for 5 dollars!). I've had it for a couple months and the discoloration hasn't grown or shrunk. I'm considering getting some "coral cutters" for stony coral and just cutting the dead part off, and seeing if it doesn't naturally grow back. Can anyone offer any insight- whether this would be good, bad or not make a difference?

 

[Innovator]

This coral should be placed on the sandbed. You have what looks to be that dreaded red "fluff" algae, hate it! I would not cut at this point since it is not recessing, but perhaps scrape the algae off with a toothbrush (don't hit the tissue) and make a dip using Revive.

 

[melosu58]

I agree with James that it needs to be on the sandbed. His other analysis sounds pretty good also.