New Frag

[Gagonzalez]

I bought a new frag (actually 2 frags on the same rock) but couldn't figure out what it was. Since I don't know it's requirements, I don't know where to place it. I tried placing it on the sand but the color is starting to change and some parts are greying out??? (Unless it's a type of digi and is suppose to do that)

Can someone help identify these frags? At the LFS it was about 24" below a Kessil A150. I currently have it under an AI Hydra26 at about 26" down on the sand. I am posting a before and after pic so you can see the color difference and the grey spots that I circled in Red.

Please help. Thanks

 

[Gagonzalez]

Where can I post this question to get some help?

 

[Tweaked]

the grey spots can be new growth, stress, or bleaching from light.

As stated in the SPS ID forums, these look to be a type of monti, and possibly a m. digitata. I am leaning towards an encrusting type. And yes you are correct, encrusting montis don't usually branch... but what if they encrusted over a branch??

 

[Tweaked]

possibly m. spongodes on further study

 

[Gagonzalez]

That wouldn't be bad. I like M. Spongodes.

How can I tell the difference between bleaching, stress or growth? If it was just the tips, I would think growth but that is not the case. It's at the tips, and around the base areas. It has not reached the body area yet that I could tell.

I did have a birdsnest a long time ago that bleached white really quick (RTN) and it doesn't seem to be that bright color white. More of a dull grayish maybe slightly blue? It is in the sand at the bottom of the tank. Would I need to put it in shade?

 

[Tweaked]

No on shade. Takes allot of light to bleach sps on the sand bed. Could be an alk issue, or phosphates and nitrates. Welcome to reefing :fun5:

 

[Gagonzalez]

ALK is between 8.9-9.2
PO4=0 (trying to bring it up with feedings and reducing GFO)
NO3=0 (same as PO4)

Everything else is doing great. Crocea Clam, Maxi Mini, Monti Cap, Trachy, Acan, etc.......

Damn SPS! Crossing my fingers now that it's a Monti and starts to recover over the next few weeks.

Thanks for the help.