Porites with worms

[T Diddy]

I've got a porite boulder with fan worms in it that I'm concerned about. While st the LFS, it seemed as though the region directly under the MH had closed up, but was still in good shape. I get it home, change the orientation a little and now the polyps seem to be more fully extended. The region that is now under direct MH seems to be coloring up to greenish. I can't tell if it is algae growing on the porite or if the coral is coloring up because it is happy. (wishful thinking)

It currently sits about halfway up in the tank, yet under the glass center brace. The coral does recieve good turbulent flow, and all of the worms seem happy as well. Should I be concerned?


KH ~ 9
pH ~ 8.2
NH3, NO2, NO3 ~ undetectable
SG ~ 1.026, RO/DI
Ca ~ 400


Thanks in advance
:fun4:

 

[klepto]

I don't think you have reason to be concerned. As you are likely aware, corals often change appearance in different tanks and under various lighting types.

What do you mean by "closed up"? As in the polyps weren't extending?

In my experience, Porites sp. require intense light to stay in optimal health. In your opinion, is it receiving significantly less light in your tank than it was at your LFS? or vice versa?

 

[T Diddy]

It is hard to say... It was closer to the light at the LFS, but that was a 150 watt MH. I run 2 400 watters at 10000K. The polyps simply weren't extended well. Now, the coral generally seems much happier, but the green hue has me worried.

 

[klepto]

Can you post a picture for us? It could be new growth. I have seen a few Porites that show a bright green hue along the growth rims.

 

[allsps40]

You will want to have that under low light with moderate flow. Porities dont like high light.

 

[sjfishguy]

You will want to have that under low light with moderate flow. Porities dont like high light.

huh?

 

[T Diddy]

It's an in-wall tank, so I can only get shots from the front. Sorry for the horrible photography...

If it is algae growing on the coral, where should it be moved to? Once again, it is placed mid tank, under the glass center brace.

Thanks for all of the replies.


T

 

[klepto]

huh?

Hahaha I was thinking the same thing. :hammer:

 

[klepto]

If it is algae growing on the coral, where should it be moved to? Once again, it is placed mid tank, under the glass center brace.

Thanks for all of the replies.


T

If it is algae then you could try gently removing it/supergluing over it or just leave it be and let the coral recover unassisted. If you do decide to move it... I would usually move it down- but I have seen numerous Porites go downhill in low light. Leaving it could be your best option.

 

[T Diddy]

Thank Klepto, I'll just keep an eye or two on it over the next few days. WIsh me luck!

 

[berlin-riff]

they love low watermovement and not to much light...

 

[T Diddy]

so which is it? I have replies stating low light, moderate flow. I have replies for high light, high flow. Research suggests intense light and turbulent flow. For now, the coral is gonna stay where it is. Any other suggestions?

 

[birdman1979]

I've seen them grow in 6' to 8' of water 30 feet from the beach where water flow is intense...