fading LPS - what's happening?

[王曼綺]

Hi all,

Need some advice here, i had my tank for almost 2 years now, very stable. But i've been noticing that my LPS corals colors don't look as vibrant as they used to be.

Any suggestion how i can bring the vibrant colors back?

[Guest]

How often do u water change? If u did not make any changes in equipments recently, it could be due to water quality.

[james72]

Lights spectrum changes, too strong light or lack of certain trace elements might cause lps to bleach

Cheers,

James

[王曼綺]

Let me give some info on my tank:

1.5Ft IOS cube
Lightings : Maxspect G2 110W, white and blue together for 5hrs daily.
Skimmer: Bubble Magus Nac QQ
Water change - once a week, 20%

Dosing - Bacteria, calcium, iodine, once weekly

In terms of water quality, i do see my rocks and wave maker rich in coraline algae, so i would think the quality isn't that bad. As for the lighting, i was told by the guys in Aquamarin that it might be too strong, especially with the white

[james72]

How high is your maxspect from water surface n how much percentage?

Cheers,

James

[王曼綺]

It sits right on top of the tank.. not hanging. Does it mean it's too strong?

[asg]

Bro. IMHO, I think 115w for 1.5ft LPS might be too strong and five hours is too short. Do you want to try getting a LED/ T5 to compliment and extend the current lightings hours?

[王曼綺]

So. . What's the recommended wattage for my 1.5ft LPS?

[asg]

3-5 watt per litre for LPS is consider on the high range for a normal height tank. This is the recommended figures from most books and websites.

[asg]

And one more thing... i didnt mean bro if you are a sis...

[王曼綺]

3-5 watt per litre for LPS is consider on the high range for a normal height tank. This is the recommended figures from most books and websites.

So if I fixed the light issue, will the colors come back?

And one more thing... i didnt mean bro if you are a sis...

Haha thanks for acknowledging that. .

[james72]

Try put your led at least 18" away from water surface.

Cheers,

James

[王曼綺]

Hi James,

The problem is, i will need to drill holes in order to hang away from the surface.. so i think for now, i'm going to tint the acrylic cover so that the light to block excessive light..

fingers cross, i hope that works.

[asg]

So if I fixed the light issue, will the colors come back?

Haha thanks for acknowledging that. .

name me a reef in the world that sees only 5 hours of sunlight day in day out one...

anyway, try feeding your LPS at least weekly (at night or when they are in makan-ing mood)?

[王曼綺]

LOL, that will be mine.. But they do get natural sunlight beaming from the balcony. Yes i do feed them, corals are pretty fat and healthy, just not as colorful..

[asg]

LOL, that will be mine.. But they do get natural sunlight beaming from the balcony. Yes i do feed them, corals are pretty fat and healthy, just not as colorful..

hmm... hmm... colorful is in the eye of beholder... or just go LFS and buy some new corals to replace the existing one...

[Clement Chen]

Hi James,

The problem is, i will need to drill holes in order to hang away from the surface.. so i think for now, i'm going to tint the acrylic cover so that the light to block excessive light..

fingers cross, i hope that works.

Why not use egg crate to cover usually will block some light. A cheap alternative and no need worry about fogging up

[james72]

If the led cannot be mount high for light spread, I suggest you replace with T5 tubes instead. Led placed too near water surface with only project a strong light beam onto the corals and that will only burn or bleach them.

Cheers,

James

[blackcell]

Lighting and proper dosing for corals is important to retain colours...

When you fish for love, bait with your heart, not your brain...

[王曼綺]

If the led cannot be mount high for light spread, I suggest you replace with T5 tubes instead. Led placed too near water surface with only project a strong light beam onto the corals and that will only burn or bleach them.

Cheers,

James

Yes i might have to do that, but i think the shortest T5 is 2ft? Mine is 1.5ft tank.. arghhhh..

[asg]

There are both T5 and LED for 1.5ft de. You might want to check with ah beng.

[ASHWIN]

Might be strong lights or Nitrates?..

Whats Your Trates?

My Razor is Hanged 19*Above..For my 2ft High tank..You Get the picture?..I Think might be overkill...but cant say give us some params bro..

cheers!

[Clement_jr]

give them some iodide/iodine.

[Planted]

I used to have bleached corals and the reason I was told is that too much white light. give it more % of actinic light helps to retain the color. (I tried and it work for me, so just a suggestion to share)

[王曼綺]

Thanks bros for your advise, i do have an acrylic cover which i popped by the shop to get them to tint it.. now it doesnt look as bright.. observing them daily to see if all is good.

So far, corals and fishes are good, just not sure if the colors will come back.