Restoring Coral Color After Bleaching

[CarChase]

Would Trace Elements such as the Red See Trace Colors help restore loss of coloration in LPS corals due to bleaching? Would using trace elements speed up the process?

 

[nautical_nathaniel]

Would Trace Elements such as the Red See Trace Colors help restore loss of coloration in LPS corals due to bleaching? Would using trace elements speed up the process?

Corals will usually regain their old coloration after a significant period of stable conditions and good water parameters. Consistency is key for recovery.

Trace Colors may help in the process and possibly move it along at a quicker pace, but I wouldn't count on it. You also can't easily track the levels of the elements that you're dosing into the tank, so you need to be careful with how much you add and how often.

Personally, I would use a premium salt (Fritz, Red Sea, Aquaforest, etc) and dose alk, calcium, and magnesium to appropriate levels and utilize a consistent water change schedule.

 

[mcarroll]

I'd say "no" on the trace elements and "yes" to everything @nautical_nathaniel said.

 

[Crabs McJones]

@nautical_nathaniel pretty much hit the nail on the head

 

[John3]

Some corals get their color back fast and some take a long time. I bought 2 diff rhodactis mushrooms from the same seller and both bleached from shipping. The one type colored back up in a month and the other is still pretty whitish 4 months later. Same tank, same lighting area, ect

 

[Flippers4pups]

Restoring the lost zooxanthellae due to bleaching takes time. When a coral has bleached, but still has tissue, this is the most vulnerable time. The zooxanthellae not only give it color, but acts as a kinda "sun screen" for the tissue. It's best to reduce the light intensity to the coral until it's regained some zoo's (color). If not, it can take longer to recover or may start to lose tissue as it dies.

All things equal, the cause of the bleaching would have to be addressed first.

 

[CarChase]

Thanks for the advice. I will do as recommended.

 

[CarChase]

Thanks for the advice. I will do as recommended and wait and see.

 

[Larry L]

I haven't used it myself but have heard from people who have had decent results with: AlgaGen PhycoPure Zooxanthellae

 

[BigJohnny]

Would Trace Elements such as the Red See Trace Colors help restore loss of coloration in LPS corals due to bleaching? Would using trace elements speed up the process?

Only if they are lacking to begin with, and only a very specific few, imo. Unless your icp tests showed a deficiency I wouldn't dose any.

Just temporarily reduce light or photoperiod, up feeding, and keep everything as stable as possible.