Possibly bleached Red Planet

[crawlerman]

I bought this coral from a guy tearing down his tank for $20. His lights were not on when I bought it, but it looked pretty brown in his tank. I'm not sure if it was the revive dip or just the lighting, but it looks bleached to me. I put it on the bottom and have left it alone. I got it on Saturday and these pics are from last night. Polyp extension is getting better. Any advice on what I should do?

 

[DustinB]

You sure that's a red planet?

 

[crawlerman]

no, I am not sure. He said it was a red planet and it looks just like an ORA plug. Sure doesn't look like a red planet, but I thought that may be because it was bleached. I guess I'll have to wait and see. Does the shape look at all like a red planet.

 

[Peale]

My vote is that it's not a RP...mine has a much different structure. Who knows, though, it may be the showpiece of the tank after it colors up!

 

[crawlerman]

After looking at some red planets, it definitely does not look like a red planet. Corallites are completely different. Oh well, I guess I have a $20 mystery coral. I've never had any other acro with such undefined corallites. I'm looking forward to seeing what it becomes. I'll post some more pics as it colors up

 

[REEFR ROB]

Don't lose hope. I purchased a red planet a couple of years ago that was in a similar condition, kind of cream color and very smooth(no corralites). It has since colored up and taken on the characteristic shape.

 

[Whisperer]

There is not a well defined coralite in that coral from that picture (except the tips). If not for the tips, i would say it isn't an acropora, but it is.

 

[crawlerman]

The coral is starting to get get a tan color, I think it will make it. I am anxious to see what it becomes.