Need advice on my lobo.

[Mhayes462]

I bought this lobo bleached like this from the Lfs. I have had it in my tank for 2.5 wks now. It doesn't seem to be getting its color back yet. It is in a 29g biocube with the stock 36w actinic and white bulbs and a 21x1w led fixture. It sits on the sand bed at the front of the tank under the 36w 10k white bulb. It eats really well. It puts feeder tentacles out every night and swells up nicely. My params are: amm 0, nitrites 0, nitrates 5, phosphates .25, ph 8.2, calcium 410, alkalinity 11 dkh, and salinity 1.025.

I feed it mysis and brine shrimp and occasionally soak the food in selcon. What should I do to help it color up? I have a nice canopy in the rock work it can sit under if it needs less light. Any help would greatly appreciated. Thanks

Mike Hayes

 

[greech]

I think you are doing all that you can. I would certainly keep feeding it mysis anytime it will take food (sounds like nightime might be the best time to feed). The little bit of color it has looks promising and it should turn out to be a real beauty once it recovers. It will take some time to get it back so don't get discouraged. It may very well be getting too much light at this point and may benefit from a little shade under a rock ledge or a reduced light cycle (or at least reducing the daylight bulb's "on" time). Good luck with it, hope it makes a full recovery!

 

[Mhayes462]

Thanks, how long does it usually take for something to color back up?


Mike Hayes

 

[greech]

Tough to say since it depends on a number of factors. The rescue LPS that I have brought home were looking much better after about a month but really showed improvement within 60-days.

Since it has been in its current condition (and position) for 2.5 weeks, I would try shading it to see if that (along with feeding) speeds the recovery time. Really think that is going to be a pretty coral.

 

[ldb Aquatics]

Def keep up with feeding. Sometimes it can mean the diff between a coral making it or not.

 

[Nemo4ev]

Lobos can take a very long time to color up, I had one take over 6 months but it was worth it and yours look like it could be awesome.

 

[Mhayes462]

Ok thanks. I will keep up with the feeding. I feed it about every other day. Others suggested I move it into more light. I just dont want to make the wrong move


Mike Hayes

 

[Nemo4ev]

I would keep it about where its at. I have noticed that lobos can handle very low light and still look good. I think with the increased nutrients its receiving it will make a come back