too much too little too hot

Discussion in 'Coral' started by spardoin, May 1, 2013.

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  1. spardoin

    spardoin Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Nov 18, 2011
    Messages:
    49
    Location:
    Athens, Georgia
    How do I know if my corals are getting too much light, too little light, or too much heat.
    My parameters are all great, but some of my corals are just not looking so great. For instance I have a x-mas favia that looks bleached at many spots, I have it located lower in my tank.
    My orange Monti is not very orange and it is located up high.
    My montipora Spongodes which is also located up high is just not looking good at all, it is only green at the tips.
    An acan is occasionally showing some skeleton and other times looking good. It is located medium height.
    My tank has been running hot, 82-84 degrees. Yesterday I placed a fan on it which will hopefully help, but these issues started before the heat.
    My light system is listed below.

    I've tried taking pictures, but I just can't get a shot that is worth posting.
    Maybe a hint from someone on taking pictures might be useful. How should I set my lights for pictures.
     
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  3. Marshall O

    Marshall O Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Jun 19, 2012
    Messages:
    3,517
    Location:
    Central MA
    For corals, if they are turning white, that usually (or always?) means they are getting bleached from too much light. If they turn brown, they are not getting enough light. What kind of lighting do you have?

    What are your tank parameters (calc, alk, mag, pH, salinity, nitrate)?
     
  4. reefer Bob

    reefer Bob Montipora Digitata

    Joined:
    Jan 19, 2009
    Messages:
    1,070
    Location:
    Largo, Fl
    If your LEDs are dimmable, then you should turn them down some. If not then maybe a shorter light period or raising the light higher. How long you had the light?
     
  5. oldfishkeeper

    oldfishkeeper Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2012
    Messages:
    7,660
    Location:
    Cincinnati
    yes, definitely something is up with the light but I think the temp. does need to come down a little as well which you're doing.
     
  6. DSC reef

    DSC reef Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Dec 16, 2012
    Messages:
    3,817
    Location:
    Cocoa, Florida
    A chiller might be in order. Flow, light, temp all play a roll in keeping corals happy and sometimes the place where you like the coral is the place the coral doesn't like.
     
  7. Daniel072

    Daniel072 Giant Squid

    Joined:
    May 30, 2008
    Messages:
    3,677
    I think you are having some light issues. I would dial those LED's way back and then raise them weekly until you find something you are satisfied with.