Loss of chalice fluorescence, help

[DHak]

Hi all,
I purchased this chalice about 2 months ago. One thing I noticed off the bat was it was extremely light and brittle though it didnt break. It started completely bleaching in the first week so I moved it from mid to low in the tank just in case and have left it alone. Now it has new growth along the edges and probably weighs 3 times as much but the color is practically gone.

Lights: Two kessil 160we's
pH: 8.1 to 8.2 typically
Ca: 420
Alk: 8.3 +/- .2
Phos: .02 to .06
Nitrate: 0 to trace

I am dosing kalk via ATO, 10% water changes weekly. Feed mysis and Neptune's pellets daily and reef roids a few times a week

Any thoughts on either how to get that deep green back or how long if ever it would return? The thing seems to be growing and extends sweepers nightly.

 

[ndrwater]

Chalices are remarkably Hardy. Best bet is there was a difference in All from where you got it to your tank. Looks like it's getting better..
Question. Was pic #1 in your tank, or was that from on online seller?
Pic #2 looks like Miami Hurricane. Pic #1 doesn't.

 

[DHak]

I took both pictures in my tank so it is the same piece. Temp has also been stable at 78 to 79.

 

[DHak]

Here is a photo in less blue lighting for comparison to the first photo

 

[ndrwater]

I see now. Like I said earlier, chalices are remarkably Hardy. I would let it be, keep things stable, and go from there.

 

[DHak]

Thanks, I plan on keeping it stable. Wondering what the time frames are on color returning or if it would at all, months or years?

 

[ndrwater]

Depends on a lot of factors. Flow and lighting being #1A #1B. Depending on what those two factors were in the tank it came from and what your setup is can determine the timeframe.
As an example, if it came from Halide T5 to straight LED, it may take a while. If from LED to LED with similar color settings and photo period, not so much time. Lots of variables. It looks like it has growth along the edges. Doubt it will take long.

 

[DHak]

Thanks, makes sense

 

[ZaneTer]

Nobody is going to mention the lack of nitrate?

 

[ndrwater]

Nobody is going to mention the lack of nitrate?

Another possible contributing factor..

To @ZaneTer point, even SPS like a bit of nitrate. With the phosphate levels indicated earlier, somewhere between 5-10ppm nitrate sound about right.