need help with a red dragon frag turning very light

[level65druid]

Been in my tank for about 8 weeks and hasn't grown or encrusted any. Only thing it is doing is turning very pale light color from the dark pinkish color when I got it.
nitrate is around 5
lighting is a 70w 10k ushio and 2 par 38 bulbs with no optics about 3inches from the waterline. I don't have a clue on what kind of par I am getting overall but I can't imagine it being a par monster. I have the frag at the bottom 3rd of my tank to the side so it isn't in the middle of the tank.
alk is around 8-9 cal is 460. Any advice? I have a little bit of cyano here and there so I don't think it is lack of nutrients.

 

[frankyrivera]

How old is your reef tank

 

[level65druid]

Its going on 6months. I have 2 sps test frags, red dragon and a purple bonsai and the bonsai is encrusting like crazy and growing about halfway up my 29g biocube. Are red dragons just really picky? why is it turning light in color.

 

[frankyrivera]

Yes most smooth skinned acros are finicky at first once established they take off. I had mine in my tank for almost 6 month before I noticed any growth. Now I can see white polyps and better color. Most tanks aren't mature enough or have a stable or established enough water column to allow SPS to thrive as quick. Most people don't add SPS until at least a year after the tank has been set up. Of course u can add simple SPS like caps and encrusting type montis but deep water, acros and other SPS need an older system. Be patient I think it will do ok in time just not right away

 

[frankyrivera]

Here's a pic when I first got mine

 

[frankyrivera]

Not the greatest pic since I took it with an iPhone but it gives u an idea on growth

 

[level65druid]

why is it turning light? do I need to put it in the shade? is it too much light? I feel like I have to do something or its just gonna die on me. Would it turn light because the tank is not mature enough?

 

[frankyrivera]

Yes and yes lol. I would lower it the higher up the lighter pink. I had the same problem. I lowered it and it depended new growth is light pink lol. But a new tank may also contribute to your paleness try feeding more

 

[level65druid]

Its only about 4 inches off the sandbed in a 20" tall aquarium, I will try to move it on the sandbed and see if it makes any difference. Thanks for your replys!

 

[frankyrivera]

No problem good luck