[JackedupSOB]

Could to much lighting cause bleaching? I have 260 watt PC on a 55 gal which to me doesn't seem to be too much but I had my favia up pretty high in the tank until I noticed some bleaching. Since then I have moved my favia to the bottom of the tank. Could my favia recover from some bleaching?

[Taras1]

Yes, favia can recover from bleaching. When adding a coral, it's good to "start at the bottom and move up." If you can, ask the seller where the coral was placed and what was the lighting used. Once bleached, it may take several mos for it to recover.

[thelastmucci]

question about favia's....aren't some brain corals favias or am I totally off.

[JackedupSOB]

No your right

[JackedupSOB]

What is the best way to help the coral recover?

[Taras1]

When I add a new coral to my tank, I place it on the sand at the bottom. I leave it there for a couple of days, waiting for it to open up (sometimes you have to look at it at night, if the coral is a night feeder). Once it starts to open up, then I start to move it up in the tank, depending on the species. E.g., Acropora, Montipora go in the upper 1/3 of my tank, Lobophyllia, Blastomussa in the bottom 1/3. Watch the polyp extension, color and growth. It always pays to call the place where you purchased the coral to see how it was grown. And do your research, there are several good books as well as this web site to learn about the specific coral. LOL

[JackedupSOB]

I did start out with it on the bottom and then it started to bleach so i moved it up since I was worried it wasnt getting enough light. Was that wrong?

[thelastmucci]

usually...and I say usually b/c there is always some sort of difference. But usually if it's bleeching the light is too much for it...so you either made it worse or it is just not suited for your tank..how deep is your tank and what are your light specs.

[Taras1]

Agree with Anthony. Try putting it in a shaded area. It worked with my Lobophyllia; perked it up in about 4-5 weeks.

[JackedupSOB]

the tank is about 21 inches deep and the lighting is PCs 260 watts

[JackedupSOB]

the coral hasnt improved to much but it hasnt really gotten worse

[thelastmucci]

glad to hear it (the part about not getting worse mind you) keep us up to date as possible.