corals have little color

Discussion in 'SPS Corals' started by spardoin, Nov 2, 2013.

to remove this notice and enjoy 3reef content with less ads. 3reef membership is free.

  1. spardoin

    spardoin Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Nov 18, 2011
    Messages:
    49
    Location:
    Athens, Georgia
    My corals both SPS (e.g., spongodes montiopora,montiporal-capricornis orange) and zoas are growing very well, but they just lack color. Is lacking color generally a result of too much/not enough light.
    I have been having some issues with calcium not being high enough. I'm relatively new to this and just discovered that I needed to check magnesium as well as all of the other things. Yesterday I added Mg for the first time, check it today, and it was still low. So I added more today.
    My other parameters are great.
     
  2. Click Here!

  3. Va Reef

    Va Reef Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2010
    Messages:
    3,627
    Location:
    Chesapeake, Va
    "Great" makes it hard to diagnose what's wrong.

    Lighting can cause color loss. what lighting are you using?

    Phosphates also affect color and eventually growth.
     
  4. oldfishkeeper

    oldfishkeeper Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2012
    Messages:
    7,660
    Location:
    Cincinnati
    It is important to have calcium and magnesium at correct values for coral health. What you're doing is a good start to recognize that. :)
     
  5. Corailline

    Corailline Super Moderator

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2010
    Messages:
    19,652
    Location:
    It is a dry heat, yeah right !
    Try dimming your lighting a little if possible and feeding more if nitrates and phosphates are not already elevated.
     
  6. Kevin_E

    Kevin_E Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Apr 30, 2009
    Messages:
    4,551
    Location:
    Florida
    Could be from starvation. Are the brown, pale, white?
     
  7. spardoin

    spardoin Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Nov 18, 2011
    Messages:
    49
    Location:
    Athens, Georgia
    Favia = brown
    montipora- white
    zoas= just not bright maybe a bit brown.
     
  8. Click Here!

  9. Corailline

    Corailline Super Moderator

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2010
    Messages:
    19,652
    Location:
    It is a dry heat, yeah right !
    Need to check your nutrient levels, phos and nitrates. Too much, corals brown, too little corals pale. Put up some pictures of your corals if you would please.
     
  10. yvr

    yvr Skunk Shrimp

    Joined:
    May 22, 2009
    Messages:
    299
    Location:
    Ft. Lauderdale
    What salt are you using? I really believe that a healthy, thriving reef starts with a good salt...