Help saving birdnest

[Jé123]

Hello, I have a birdnest coral which have been growing a lot (I did a post previously wanting to get more colour out of it and it did colour up quite nicely eventually). I just have one problem, it’s losing polyps at the base! This area is completely shaded that might explain why, should I leave it like that? Also under the birdnest it’s pretty white, it’s not getting any light too (it’s growing like a plateau I would say). What should I do? Also, I consistently remove Xenia coral and it never touches the base.

 

[JGT]

Hello, I have a birdnest coral which have been growing a lot (I did a post previously wanting to get more colour out of it and it did colour up quite nicely eventually). I just have one problem, it’s losing polyps at the base! This area is completely shaded that might explain why, should I leave it like that? Also under the birdnest it’s pretty white, it’s not getting any light too (it’s growing like a plateau I would say). What should I do? Also, I consistently remove Xenia coral and it never touches the base.

Several options. Trim the top so more light gets through, add more lighting to reduce shadowing or move to a different area in the tank where it can get more light.

 

[Jé123]

Several options. Trim the top so more light gets through, add more lighting to reduce shadowing or move to a different area in the tank where it can get more light.

it’s already at the top of my aquarium,I don’t really know where else to place it :/

 

[JGT]

it’s already at the top of my aquarium,I don’t really know where else to place it :/

So that narrows it down to 2 options.

 

[Jé123]

So that narrows it down to 2 options.

I’ve never trimmed any coral and I don’t think I can reduce shadowing (I only have a single light) is there anything else? Do you think it will stop «dying » where the polyps are getting enough light?

 

[ReeferWarrant]

Could be wrong, but I think that's natural as the coral grows it shades and blocks flow for the polyps below. From your pictures, it doesnt look much different than the green variety I have. The underneath is pale but there and the top facing are all bright and extended.

 

[JGT]

I’ve never trimmed any coral and I don’t think I can reduce shadowing (I only have a single light) is there anything else? Do you think it will stop «dying » where the polyps are getting enough light?

Unfortunately, no.

 

[Jé123]

Could be wrong, but I think that's natural as the coral grows it shades and blocks flow for the polyps below. From your pictures, it doesnt look much different than the green variety I have. The underneath is pale but there and the top facing are all bright and extended.

I hope you are right

 

[JGT]

I hope you are right

Agree, it won’t kill the coral. It will just not have growth underneath. The part of the coral in the light will still grow and flourish.