Question on coloration of purple plate coral

[MrSquid]

I received a short tentacled purple plate coral from you last Thursday. Is the varying pink/brown coloration I'm seeing normal? It was like this straight out of the bag - although these pictures were taken tonight. Attaching a pic under lunars that shows it as well. Is this something to be concerned about?

The coral was acclimated with a drip over several hours. Ammonia/nitrite/nitrate/phophates = 0. Alk = 4.5 meq/l. Ca = 400. pH = 8.2. SG = 1.025. Temp = 78-80 (fluctuates with heat from lights) Plus I did a 30g water change (on 160 total) the night before it arrived.

 

[dfs/la2]

Mr. Squid,

Thank you for your post. It appears that your Plate Coral seems to be in proper condition. As it becomes acclimated to your aquarium, it should begin to gain a more intense pink coloration over time. To help promote optimal health, we recommend spot feeding the specimen approximately three times per week while the polyps are extended. The Plate Coral will accept brine and mysis shrimp, as well as a variety of other small chopped meaty foods. We hope that the coral makes an excellent addition to your aquarium. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to let us know.

Mike S.
LiveAquaria
Drs. Foster and Smith

 

[MrSquid]

Thanks Mike - I've been doing just that. Just wanted to make sure that it was normal.

 

[MrSquid]

I just wanted to give an update. 3+ months later the coral hasn't "pinked up" at all - even with regular feedings. If anything, it seems that the non-pink portion is spreading into the pink area.

Nothing in the original post's water parameters has changed (Ca is a bit higher and pH hangs around 8.1, but otherwise that's it). It gets about a 25% water change once a month. When you say "over time", how long of a period of time are we talking before it should be solid pink like the pic that was on your site when I ordered it? (unfortunately you don't have pink plates on your site anymore)

Unfortunately our camera isn't here right now - I'll try to post a picture in the next 24 hours.

Thanks! Looking forward to the swap this weekend!
-Mike

 

[dfs/la2]

MrSquid,

Thank you for your reply. We apologize that this coral has not fully returned to a pink color. We would like to offer you a full credit of the cost of this coral as it has not fully achieved proper coloration. Please PM us with your order information or name and address so that we may ensure we are crediting the proper file.

Nate M.
LiveAquaria
Drs. Foster & Smith

 

[MrSquid]

Awesome - thanks so much Nate. PM sent!