SPS and green metallic/fluorescent pigments..

[One_Divided]

So what causes these pigments to thrive? Bacteria, aminos? A certain type of zooxanthellae? My frag tank is lit by 8x 80w T5's and main system is T5's and 250w Radiums. I don't believe in my case that it is light related.

Has anyone has experience bringing these pigments out?

 

[ajcanale]

Check out Reef Builders "Guide of SPS coral coloration (make them more vivid bright)"

 

[zzl630]

check out this
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1817264&highlight=fluorescent

 

[Eric Boerner]

So what causes these pigments to thrive? Bacteria, aminos? A certain type of zooxanthellae?

It's from the chromophores within the zooxanthellae. There are several sub-clads of zooxanthellae that we've been able verify. Each gives off it's own chromophore protein chain and reaction. Amino acids play the most important role in generating vibrant coloration in addition to UV. The chromophore reaction is a modified amino acid residue.

A lot of the amazing color morphs that we've seen come from hobby tanks in the last 5 or 6 years are probably a direct result of cross distribution of zooxanthellae that would not typically be in the same regions of each other in real reef ecosystem.

 

[One_Divided]

That is very good info, thanks Eric! Anyone else had results in enhancing these reflective pigments? Certain products? I am currently experimenting with Acropower by TLF. I will post a progress update in about a month..