bleaching or growing?

**glarior** · 10-13-2011, 09:46 PM

I have a SPS that is either bleaching or growing. I can't remember the exact name and don't have a photo of it at this time. However, I have been out of town for two weeks and my father claims its getting bigger. I can't tell but can see the branching is becoming white. In my opinoin its bleaching but he insists its growing. This was my first try at some hard corals vs the ones I have thriving now. I am reading more about them but unsure on this part.

Question is, when SPS grows should it be white or maintain the purple color?

**frefal13** · 10-13-2011, 10:09 PM

White in any type of photosynthetic marine animal is not a good sign. What are the lights it is under? How far from the light? Tank parameters? Flow?
We really need to know these details to be able to help you if there is no photo
Just because other corals are thriving does not mean SPS will, SPS require pristine water conditions while softies and even LPS benefit from a "dirtier" tank, with more nutrients available.

**Cliff** · 10-13-2011, 10:34 PM

+1 to the above

Also, is the whole coral white, or just parts of it

**ILuvMyGoldBarb** · 10-13-2011, 11:02 PM

If it is just the tips of the "branches" that are white, then I'd bet on growth, however if the white starts at the base, or any place in the middle, then it's bleaching.

**glarior** · 10-15-2011, 01:38 AM

I think they are bleaching. Water parameters are perfect except for calcium, KH and GH. The GH is off the scale and I don't know why. I will do a different post about that later.

The lights are a 2x 250w mh 14k bulbs, with 4 64w pc ancetic bulbs. Its about 8" under the water and 12-14" from the light. Flow is good with a powerhead pushing across one way and a rio 3100 pump pushing the other.

Today, I saw it and I think its bleaching...