Brain Coral (Lobophyllia)

[Reefer1959]

Hi. I'm wondering if someone can help with a question I have. I have a Brain Coral (Lobophyllia), and all of a sdden it seems to be losing its red color. All my other corals, and fish seem to be happy and healthy. My water parameters are all good, and I have been adding 5 ml of ELOS 01 - Alkali (Calcium, Strontium, and Magnesium), and 5 ml of ELOS 02 - Elements (Iodine & Trace Elements), about every 5 days. It is a 29 gallon Bio Cube. Any guesses as to what might be the problem? I would hate to lose it.

[bnumair]

what kinda lights are u running and how old? what are ur level? all good parameters dont really tell the story.
please post salinity temp ph alk mag cal nitrates and phos results if possible from within 24 hrs.

[celamb89]

if everything else is good (params), then probably gonna be ur lights

[Reefer1959]

The salinity is 1.024-1.025, temp is 77.6, Ph is 7.8, mag is a little over 1500, calcium is 400, alk is 8dKH/143.2 ppmKH, phos is below .25 (nearly 0), ammo, nitrites, and nitrates are all 0. The lights are the stock lights that came with the bioCube. I have the 36W actinic, and the 10K 36W, both on almost all day, then just have the purple moonlight LED's on all night. The Brain is right at the top of my rock, about 6 below the water, and 8 inches below the lights. I would like to raise my alk, Ph, and calcium, but the stuff I have, has magnesium in it also, and my magnesium seems a little high already.

[Reefer1959]

So, are you saying its getting too much light, or that my lights are not strong enough?

[jr7168]

Try moving him to an area of good flow and maybe consider changing his area of light

[bnumair]

i suspect the lights are not strong enough. also assuming for phos results i am guessing ur using API phos test kit. (0.25 or under). if using that its not a very reliable kit. phos needs to be below 0.1 for sure and below 0.03 for ideal. phos in elevated levels will cause corals to lose colors.

[Neptune_Fan]

"phos below .25 is not anywhere near almost 0"

you need a more accurate test.

[Reefer1959]

Any suggestions on which brand is more accurate?

[bnumair]

the best in market so far is hanna checker ultra low range phosphorus.

[Reefer1959]

One other question. My calcium is 400, and my alkalinity is 8. I have both Elos, and Kent, buffer supplements, but both have manesium in the part that is for alkali/calcium, and my magnesium is already high at over 1500. First off, how bad is it for the magnesium to be over 1500, and secondly, should I think about getting individual calcium supplements, and whatever I need to bring my alk up a bit?

[PAnanoguy]

yes you definately want a good two part supplement (calc,alk) without mag already in it. Not really sure about the Lobo. I wouldnt think too much light is the problem so I would lean toward not enough light but I cant say for sure if thats whats wrong with it. Might just need to give it some time. Keep your alk and calc levels stable. Let the mag come down over time (1350 is a good level) or do a few small water changes. Dont do anything crazy yet.

[PAnanoguy]

also as far as test kits go, Red Sea Coral Growth Test Kit will give you good Calc, Mag. and Alk. tests and the Red Sea Algae Control Kit will give you good Nitrate and Phos. tests. imo.

[coralsnaked]

At 72 watts in a 29 cube you will want that lobo in the upper 1/2 of the water column. I have a couple of 28 JBJ w/ 104 watts + 20watt LED 460nm supplimenting and my Lobo and closed brains do fine in the lower 1/2 of the water column. But i have 50 % more light.

Merry Skerry