Torch Coral - Lighting Issue?

[balto777]

I have had this torch coral for about 8 months. It has grown fast and has always expanded very fully. I kept it under the bulb that came with the Sunpod 150MH fixture. (14K 150 watt)

I recently switched to a phoenix 14K 150 watt bulb. Since then, I noticed that the torch coral looks to be turning more green (good!) but also not expanding as fully as it used to. Everything else in the tank looks great, and I love the phoenix bulb. The torch still looks healthy, but is just not expanding.

All my levels have remained constant, so this is not a levels issue. Any ideas would be appreciated.

 

[KDodds]

Sounds like the PAR values on the new bulb are higher, meaning the coral wouldn't need to expand as much. As far as turning "greener" goes, it could be from swapping out zoox. Watch it carefully, "swapping" zoox, in limited space like an aquarium, can meanthat there are no differenr zoox to swap for, which can be considered, I would think then, bleaching. If bleaching seems to be occurring, just move the lights up about 3-6" or use screening to acclimate the corals to the new (presumably brighter) lighting.

 

[balto777]

Thanks Kieron. I know the new bulb seems a lot brighter. I guess I will just keep an eye on it. Still seems perfectly healthy.

 

[dodgersfan25]

yeah, im sure the torch is just getting used to this much brighter lighting

 

[RumLad]

How old was the bulb that you replaced?
Could have lost quite a bit of its useful spectrum over the time, hence the coral expanding more to meet its needs.

 

[balto777]

Bulb was only 10 months old, but it was the one that came with the unit. I did notice that it seemed considerably dimmer than the new bulb.