Seriatopora guttatus Color Fading

FishDad2 · 09/05/2009, 05:12 PM

I recently acquired a piece of DFS Orange Guttatus Birdsnest
(Seriatopora guttatus) and it was nicely colored when it arrived but the color has begun to fade.

DFS indicates that the coral likes "Moderate" lighting and placement is "Middle to High" on the reef. So I have it placed high but not directly under a halide lamp. Instead, it's betwwn two halides (400w 20k), so it gets that light coming indirectly from the sides, and has VHO lights (2 x 75w actinic white) directly above it.

Given the stability of the water parameters and the health of the other corals (including pieces I placed in the tank at the same time as the Seriatopora guttatus) I'm thinking that it's a lighting issue...either too much or too little light. However, I've never had a peice of this species, so I'm not sure if I should try giving it more or less light.

Anyone out there with experience who has an opinion?

Thanks for your assistance.

Chris

Tank = 225 gal reef
pH = 8.08 to 8.18
Alk = 9.4 dkh
Cal = 410 ppm
Mag = 1300 ppm
MH lights = 400w 20K
VHO = pair of 75w actinic white

Airwolf75 · 09/05/2009, 11:59 PM

birdsnest corals, I would go for less light. Maybe in a month or 2 move it back up.

09/05/2009, 05:12 PM	#1
FishDad2 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Northern NJ Posts: 662	Seriatopora guttatus Color Fading I recently acquired a piece of DFS Orange Guttatus Birdsnest (Seriatopora guttatus) and it was nicely colored when it arrived but the color has begun to fade. DFS indicates that the coral likes "Moderate" lighting and placement is "Middle to High" on the reef. So I have it placed high but not directly under a halide lamp. Instead, it's betwwn two halides (400w 20k), so it gets that light coming indirectly from the sides, and has VHO lights (2 x 75w actinic white) directly above it. Given the stability of the water parameters and the health of the other corals (including pieces I placed in the tank at the same time as the Seriatopora guttatus) I'm thinking that it's a lighting issue...either too much or too little light. However, I've never had a peice of this species, so I'm not sure if I should try giving it more or less light. Anyone out there with experience who has an opinion? Thanks for your assistance. Chris Tank = 225 gal reef pH = 8.08 to 8.18 Alk = 9.4 dkh Cal = 410 ppm Mag = 1300 ppm MH lights = 400w 20K VHO = pair of 75w actinic white

09/05/2009, 11:59 PM	#2
Airwolf75 Another Vegasreefer Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 358	birdsnest corals, I would go for less light. Maybe in a month or 2 move it back up. __________________ Please check out my Reef tank, click on my name to the left and click View Homepage. Current Tank Info: 180 gallon reef, 30 Gallon planted