I brought a favite home from my LFS about three months ago. When I brought it home it was a really beautiful creamy-white color with flourescent green centers. At the time I had PC lighting (2-65 watt daylight and 2-65 watt actinic). Then, about a month ago I installed MH lighting (2-150watt MH with polished reflectors and 2-95 watt actinics). Since I installed the MH the color of the coral has changed to a light redish tan. I can see the green centers, but they are less noticeable. I placed the favite at the top of my tank, and is has good water flow around it (not directed at it). I have read that favites are very light adaptable. Is it getting too much light? My other concern is that I haven't seen any polyp extension or sweeper tentacles, even though I feed with DTs or phytoplex every day or two. I also use liquid life periodically.
Favite turning reddish brown
- Thread starter RevJDA
- Start date
keckles
New member
A darkening of coloration is not the result of too much light, but rather more nutrient related. After feeding all of that plankton, I would check your nitrate and phosphate levels. I am guessing they are elevated above the desired amount thus creating your coloration issue.
FWIW, there is no evidence that stony corals benefit directly from phytoplankton.
FWIW, there is no evidence that stony corals benefit directly from phytoplankton.
To me, the creamy white sounds like it wasn't in best of health and is now getting better. It is adapting and to me sounds like a positive.
darkstar339
New member
the same thing happened to me only the coral was bright green and molted brown. i bought it on saturday and now that it is in the tank it turned brown. is it just adapting to the new lighting? i did a water change before i put it in so the water perameters should be okay.
