Hystrix frag possible bleaching?

Chris'sReef · Mar 2, 2019

Hi, I got this Hystrix frag on Tuesday and I've put it on the bottom of my reefer 250 to acclimate it but it's developing light patches since I've put it in the tank. It's under 2 hydra 26hds here's a pic of it. Should I be concerned? Alk Is 9.3 mag is 1380 and calcium 460 nitrates are around 2.5ppm.

Ron Reefman · Mar 3, 2019

Personally, I'm concerned for almost every coral frag I put in my tank. But I don't see any real issues with your frag. But then I did see what it looked like on Tuesday. I suspect if it's really developing light patches, it could just be acclimation to your tank. I'd keep a close eye on it though. If you see more changes, post a new pic and call out the rest of the reef squad by typing - hashtag (#) and reef squad all as one word.

Good luck.

Chris'sReef · Mar 3, 2019

Ron Reefman said:
Personally, I'm concerned for almost every coral frag I put in my tank. But I don't see any real issues with your frag. But then I did see what it looked like on Tuesday. I suspect if it's really developing light patches, it could just be acclimation to your tank. I'd keep a close eye on it though. If you see more changes, post a new pic and call out the rest of the reef squad by typing - hashtag (#) and reef squad all as one word.

Good luck.

Thanks, I'm keeping a close eye on it, I can't see really much of a change but if I do ill post another pic for guidance.

Softhammer · Mar 3, 2019

If it gets worse clip a healthy branch off so if it bites the dust you have a second chance. For me, those birds nests are finicky. Some you can’t kill, others I can’t keep alive for anything.

Chris'sReef · Mar 3, 2019

Yeah I will. I am only just really getting into SPS and been told seriatopora are a good beginner coral my water quality is good maybe too clean? Lighting is 9 hours a day with 7hr peak.

Chris'sReef · Mar 4, 2019

Chris'sReef said:
Yeah I will. I am only just really getting into SPS and been told seriatopora are a good beginner coral my water quality is good maybe too clean? Lighting is 9 hours a day with 7hr peak.

Definitely getting lighter still. I am thinking of moving it up to halfway up the rock and putting in place, or would I be better if leaving it where it is? #reefsquad

Ron Reefman · Mar 4, 2019

It doesn't look much different to me. But bleaching usually involves getting white patches rather than fading color. I don't suppose you know the PAR of the light where the coral is? OK, what settings on the leds and how deep is it?

I'm thinking it may be fading because it's not getting enough light rather than bleaching from too much light. But that's just my opinion and it's not my coral.

If I was you, I'd wait to see what some of the other Reef Squad members have to say.