Coral Coloration

[krzyphsygy]

So this question might have been asked before but how do you keep the brilliant SPS color?

I just got two very nice pieces with beautiful color and so far it seems like my sps corals lose color. I have a ATI fixture 6x80watt and these are so nice, I just dont want to lose it.

Is it because the corals are too high or too low? I know they brown when not enough light is given and bleach when too much light. But I also read sometimes really bright lights will make them color up more?? Confused on this topic.

 

[franklypre]

you have to let it settle in forr a few months before any real judgement can be made other than bleaching, if it bleaches and all other levels are correct by all means move it down. That said all coral should be acclimated at the bottom and moved up, it's not an exact science yet. I would say leave it where you have it would be your best option unless it bleaches.

 

[Digitalelectric]

What Ive learned is theres a LOT of factors that affect coral color. Also theres brilliance/luster as well as color. I got 250 Watt 20K Radiums on a Lumatek ballast on HQI settings and my SPS have luster to them now as well as deep rich color. I can sit and stare at a common coral like a green monti digi for hours. Even the macro algae has a sheen to it.

Also affecting color is water quality. I use RODI water and the second it hits .001 I change filters. Feed enough but not too much. I dose Kalk but nothing else. I make up for trace elements through regular water changes.

From past experiences Ive found that phosphates affect color/growth. Swings in temp, ph, alk...basically swings in anything can affect color. However Ive found the biggest thing that affects color is nutrients. High or low. Its a balance.

 

[doosiec]

It's definitely the lighting and water parameters.
How well you can maintain a stable environment, temp, ph, alk, ca, etc.

Personally, I've had great luck with MH, switched over to LED's on the bandwagon.
I still feel MH are far superior than many of the newer technologies, just expensive to maintain.