Bleaching Acropora

[LINK]

Just picked up an acropora frag for $6.00 It is very small, but I thought that it would be a good way to try my hand at SPS. Tank params are all acceptable and very stable. Within 24 hours, it has almost totally bleached. It came from a tank with 1VHO 10,000k and 1 VHO Actinic, and it was about 14" from the surface. I put it about 8" from the surface in my tank, and I have 8x96W PCs on my tank. Is this bleaching due to the coral adjusting to the stronger light level and new tank conditions, or is it dying? Like I said, I have no exp with SPS, and I would rather try with a $6 frag, than a $200 Show piece.
Params:
PH 8.2 steady
Amm = 0
Nitrite = 0
Nitrate = 0
Calcium = 450
Alk = 3.8 - 4.2
Temp 82 - 83 degrees F
180 Gal RR
6x96W 10,000K PC
2x96W True Actinic PC
4-5 Inch DSB
30 Gal Macro algee Refugium (reverse lit 2x55W PC)
MyReef Medium Skimmer Running on timer with reverse lighting
Plenty of current on the Acropora

Please let me know if I should be worried.

 

[toptank]

Arco must be acclimated slowly. If it was underlow light then it is best to lower it to maybe the bottom of the tank then slowly move it up. Also IME arco don't like heat. When the bleach, that is a sign of some sort of stress. IMO you tank should be well matured. Arcros do better under MH but some Montipora I have heard do well under VHOS.

There is a artical on acclimating SPS by Steve Tyree on my web site, hope that will help.

Barry

[ October 23, 2001: Message edited by: toptank ]

[ October 23, 2001: Message edited by: toptank ]</p>