Red Mushroom Coral

I have had these red mushrooms for about 3 weeks now and I'm experiencing some problems now. My water parameters are perfect I have only two fish, in a 60 gallon tall. I have LED lights as of now (getting my t5 fixtures tomorrow, very excited). I was told mushrooms would not have a problem with the low light the LEDs produced. I placed them about midway in the tank and they were already affixed to a rock from the LFS.



Since then they have shrunk in size and have a brown spot in the middle. Some of the smaller ones have disconnected and I have no idea where they are.



Today I moved the rock they are attached to, to the sand bed thinking they may of had too much flow and light exposure. Is this normal?

 

I believe it can be narrowed down to lighting.

What fixture is this LED? If Marine Land it may not be enough light.

 

I figured. I told the LFS but they said it would be fine plus I had to exchange my light fixture for a new one. When I get my t5 fixture tomorrow do you think they will bounce back?

 

It lights are the problem and you fix your light problem I see no reason why they should not come back. Keep us updated


Dellyjoe

 

I agree.


You just need to acclimate them to the lighting, they should probably go in the sand bed for a while and I would reduce your lighting period for a week or so.

 

Will do.

 

I received my working light fixture today. It is a 6 bulb t5 fixture. I have it setup with only 5 bulbs in this order actinic, 12,000K, actinic, 12,000K, actinic. each gives out 54 watts for a total of 270 watts. I have it setup about 4 inches above my tank which is about 24-25 inches above my sand bed. I have the intention to replace the middle actinic with a purple.

How should I acclimate my tank (open brain coral and red mushrooms) I placed both on the sand bed already. I was thinking about doing an hour on an hour off for the rest of today until normal bed time for my fishies. Then for the rest of the week continue the same thing but gradually make the exposure longer. Any thoughts?

 

I am no expert but i think it would be easier to start with a few hours on and then increase for about 15 minutes each day until you get to your planned light time. Then just set your timers and your ready to go. Unless of course you are home all day and can spend your life turning lights on and off! LOL Your mushrooms will be fine as they are very easy. They like lower light so i have mine in shaded areas of my tank. Your new T-5 will be great and you should be able to put in anything you want. Good luck and have fun!!!

 

is this a normal thing to do i guess i don't know as much as i thought

i never acclimated lighting

would u need to do this everytime you added something again?

nice look bright red mushrooms thoooo very very nice

 

I have the same issue with my red mushrooms. Mine isn't from a lack of lighting though. If they don't perk up with your new lights, maybe we can put our heads together and figure out the problem.