Stunner Growth? (w/ Pics)

[ScottB]

Sorry for the double post, but was told I originally put this in the wrong forum, thinking a chalice was an SPS, not an LPS. Boy have I got a lot more to learn.

So here goes:

I picked up my first stony for my new tank last week in the form of a Hollywood Stunner chalice, thinking I knew enough. Now a week later I have questions. Is it growing or is it bleaching?

Water is good, with Alk ~10-12 (dosing 2-part), pH 8.1-8.2, CA is 300 and rising (dosing 2-part), temp is 77-78, lighting is Radion XR30w LED at 70% intensity. Coral is in lower third, about 20" from the light. SG 1.025.

Here is the piece:

Here is what I assume to be growth, but am worried like a new mother:

Here are a couple of spots that worry me:

This is an eye that has browned out, but I want to believe that I saw this eye consume a piece of flake food.

I have witnessed it taking flake food and fish poop, and appears to be fleshy, particularly around the edges. The spots near the edges in the 3rd photo, I cannot say were not there when I bought it, but I know the one eye/mouth that has turned brown was not. But then, I can't swear that it was an eye either, but I believe it to be.

Anyone have an opinion?

 

[rogersb]

White edges on chalices is normally growth but if you see skeleton then it is receding. The spots could be some sort of recession, but it's hard to tell without a better pic.

On a side note - I got the stunner several years ago and thought I sold it. Then, when I made an upgrade I found some of it growing on my rocks. I chiseled it off and thought I got it all. Over a year later, I find my rocks are starting to grow stunner again. The point being make sure you put it where you want it and isolate it, it's worse than xenia to get rid of.

 

[M88A2]

you should get yourself a Mg test kit as it is pretty important for chalices. I have read many successful reefers keep it around 1400

 

[M88A2]

you should get yourself a Mg test kit as it is pretty important for chalices. I have read many successful reefers keep it around 1400. Also, the term pest is more or less based on perspective. If your like the stuff, and i havent really heard of anyone who said they didnt like it, then it wouldnt be so bad to have a large patch of it. Then again, i wouldnt want any single coral to overtake my tanke either.

 

[ScottB]

I have a Mg test kit and it is relatively stable at 1600. Red Sea Coral Pro Salt seems to be loaded with magnesium. I do have a dosing pump set aside just for Mg, but have not yet fired it up as consumption does not warrant it.