Montipora Question

[jusreefin]

I picked up 2 browned out encrusting colonies for dirt cheap, both were purple as all hell when they came in to the LFS. I have noticed the polyps are extended only when the lights are out. Could this be from too much light during the photo period? They are under 4x54w T5, 3 20k and 1 10k bulb about 16" away.

Peace
Rob

 

[Len]

It's possible they haven't acclimated to the lights, but your lighting should be fine for Monitpora. You might want to start them lower down and move them up over time. Polyp extension usually is a bit more at night, but the polyps of most Montipora are usually out during the day as well.

 

[Unarce]

Where'd you pick those up, Rob?

 

[jusreefin]

Karl, here in Marysville

Thanks Len! I can't move them up or down right now as they are in my 6" tall frag/prop tank :wink:

 

[SnowManSnow]

Normally the brown ones have purple tips when they are experiancing growth. The purple tips are the "bud" areas.


I agree with previous post start them a little lower down in your tank and move them up over a period of weeks.

B

 

[fungia]

if you cant move them down, maybe move them off to the side so they dont get as much light

 

[jusreefin]

Yes they are all the way to one side and I even placed a piece of egg crate on top of the tank over them to shade the light a little!

THANKS EVERYONE! I can't wait until they color back up!

 

[SnowManSnow]

the browns are reallllly tough sps . I think they will be just fine. u almost have to TRY to kill them.

 

[jusreefin]

They were both actually very nice purple when they came in ( i seen them the day after they came in to the LFS)