My new Monipora cap. is green with blue polyps. Since I got it, the edges have developed green algae growth and this is spreading towards the center. There are no polyps in these areas "infected" with the algae. My lighting consists of 2 250MH and 2 96W Fluorescent bulbs. The coral is about 8" beneath the surface and the lighting is about 5" above the water surface. How can I save this coral? I have trimmed the portion of the coral with algae and decreased the light penetration using additional screening. Does any one have any other suggestions (water parameters are all within accepted ranges)?
Montipora cap with algae growth
- Thread starter ssavader
- Start date
twelvejewelz
New member
what exactly is your alk and are you dosing a carbon source?
ChicagoReefOne
New member
+1 on this. I'd move it down pretty low, esp with your light. Give it time and it'll recover.
Dustin1300
Reefaholic
Scott, I'd move it to the bottom and wait it out. I recently replaced my fixture and have a much higher quality ballast that caused my green cap w/blue polyps to bleach. I've moved it to bottom and over past couple weeks seems to be gaining its color back slowly. Caps are rather forgiving and I'd guess your cap is from the same source I bought mine off of in your area
JeremiahChua
New member
This is happening to my pink polyp cap too 
I moved it down today. Blue hermits make quick work at the algae.
I moved it down today. Blue hermits make quick work at the algae.
Dustin1300
Reefaholic
This is happening to my pink polyp cap too
You should break the part taken by algae off!
Thanks Guys,
I have added numerous layers of netting on the tank cover to help cut down on the light penetration, since I don't really have room to move it, and the rock its attached to, to the tank bottom. I have removed as much of the dead coral w/algae as possible. Yes, Jeremiah, the hermits have been enjoying the algae buffet- I wonder though whether they can damage the coral polyps as well.
Dustin, did you get your cap. at Inland Aquatics in Terre Haute? If you have not been there, make the trip. A real island oasis in a aquatic desert.
I have added numerous layers of netting on the tank cover to help cut down on the light penetration, since I don't really have room to move it, and the rock its attached to, to the tank bottom. I have removed as much of the dead coral w/algae as possible. Yes, Jeremiah, the hermits have been enjoying the algae buffet- I wonder though whether they can damage the coral polyps as well.
Dustin, did you get your cap. at Inland Aquatics in Terre Haute? If you have not been there, make the trip. A real island oasis in a aquatic desert.
