Name this sps coral.

[Tahoe61]

If the bulbs are over a year old it's time to change them.

 

[TankRazr]

That makes sense, I hope it restores its color. I don't know why my lfs would even sell it to me in this condition. I'm not buying them over there anymore.

While your pointing the finger at the LFS, you might just want to stop and consider what role you are playing in the health of the coral. I've actually capitalized on buying corals that were knocking on deaths door and nursed them back into great pieces. For all we know this store owner could have been under the impression from you that you knew what you were doing?

Moving forward, you might want to invest in your lighting set up before investing in more corals. Specifically start by updating your bulbs. You don't have to do it all at once either. If money is an issue buy two bulbs now and then another two next month. But as I stated before, the zoa stretching is a clear indicator that your bulbs are shot.

So in reality until you fix your lighting set up you could buy the healthiest coral in the store (or anywhere) and it would still likely decline under your current set up.

BTW: FarmerTY, I absolutely love your tank! Simple but elegant, not your average "fruit stand" coral pile.

 

[20 gallon nano]

I am a begginer at this reef keeping. This is my first tank I had. Thanks for any information I get from anyone. Do bulbs in a light fixture have a life span?

 

[TankRazr]

I am a begginer at this reef keeping. This is my first tank I had. Thanks for any information I get from anyone. Do bulbs in a light fixture have a life span?

Simple answer, yes. Some people change out at 6 months, some at 9 or 12 months and some less frequently.

This is something you can definitely find a lot of info on around the forums. Depends on how long you run them a day.

Another thing you might consider is starting out with some easier to keep corals. Like montipora caps and digis. They are generally quite forgiving, hardy and affordable. And just as enjoyable in my opinion.

TR

 

[FarmerTy]

While your pointing the finger at the LFS, you might just want to stop and consider what role you are playing in the health of the coral. I've actually capitalized on buying corals that were knocking on deaths door and nursed them back into great pieces. For all we know this store owner could have been under the impression from you that you knew what you were doing?

Moving forward, you might want to invest in your lighting set up before investing in more corals. Specifically start by updating your bulbs. You don't have to do it all at once either. If money is an issue buy two bulbs now and then another two next month. But as I stated before, the zoa stretching is a clear indicator that your bulbs are shot.

So in reality until you fix your lighting set up you could buy the healthiest coral in the store (or anywhere) and it would still likely decline under your current set up.

BTW: FarmerTY, I absolutely love your tank! Simple but elegant, not your average "fruit stand" coral pile.

Thank you sir! My old one was definitely more fruitstand so I wanted to incorporate a lot more negative space in this one.

 

[vedros74]

Seems like you were taken advantage of a bit. I had the same thing happen to me years ago when I first started. I bought a candy coral that only had a bit of green in the center and bleached white on the rest from an LFS that knew I was just starting. To my surprise after the coral recovered and starting showing colors I researched and learned it was bleached. Whether the LFS thought you were a seasoned reefer or not they should not have sold you this piece. Best advice is to research a lot and ask questions before you buy because many will just sell to you even when your not ready for it. Acros are not a good starter coral even when healthy. Good luck it can be very rewarding if your patient and do your research. Like the guys suggested above start with your lights

 

[20 gallon nano]

Simple answer, yes. Some people change out at 6 months, some at 9 or 12 months and some less frequently.

This is something you can definitely find a lot of info on around the forums. Depends on how long you run them a day.

Another thing you might consider is starting out with some easier to keep corals. Like montipora caps and digis. They are generally quite forgiving, hardy and affordable. And just as enjoyable in my opinion.

TR

I run mine 8 hours a day. I have never changed the bulbs for a year now. And I got it used from someone I found locally. I will start investing in some new bulbs before I buy new corals.