Looney Tunes Stylocoenelia not opening, turning brown

[Nordy]

Had this Looney Tunes Stylocoenelia for a month and I was doing well with it initially. LED’s we’re on acclimation mode for the first 2 weeks. Then lights were on at 50% both blue and white, running a Red Sea program that is 15,000k. Coral hasn’t been opening up for last 8 days or so, sometimes a little at night. Nitrate 0, phosphate.01, calcium 375, magnesium 1240, ph 7.85 alkalinity 7.5dkh. Been 8 days since a water change. I do close to 10% on my 158 gallon tank weekly or every other week. Lights are back on acclimation mode, coral is about 1/3 the way up my tank, flow is moderate, but I don’t think too much. Any ideas? Appreciate some feedback.

 

[tbrown]

Corals usually like some nitrates and phosphates. Are you feeding it directly?

 

[Nordy]

Only fed it twice in the month I’ve had it, first Ocean magic, second time Red seas AB amino complex. Just got some Reef Blizzard. I’ll try that tonight.

 

[tbrown]

I'm not saying you have to feed it. Styloconiella have small mouths so it needs to be small enough for it to eat. My recommendation is to bring the phosphates and nitrates up somewhat. They don't have to be high, but they should be detectable at least. 0 nitrates and no food for corals isn't good for them. Also, browning usually means not enough light. My Burning Banana prefers low light - almost sandbed, while my Electric Daisy prefers higher light - middle to top of my tank, not directly under the light though.

 

[Nordy]

I'm not saying you have to feed it. Styloconiella have small mouths so it needs to be small enough for it to eat. My recommendation is to bring the phosphates and nitrates up somewhat. They don't have to be high, but they should be detectable at least. 0 nitrates and no food for corals isn't good for them. Also, browning usually means not enough light. My Burning Banana prefers low light - almost sandbed, while my Electric Daisy prefers higher light - middle to top of my tank, not directly under the light though.

Did a 15% water change and gave it some Reef blizzard tonight, looking better under blue light, and polyps are out now. Going to take the lights off acclimation, thinking more light may be needed.

 

[steveschuerger]

Don’t worry about acclimation lighting. Just put it where it looks comfortable. I’ve never messed with my lights , just put the corals in. And keep feeding that tank. Phyto or something like AB+ nightly to help boost nitrates and feed the tank. I also feed fairly generously frozen to my fish and corals daily.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

To me it looks like its starving, both from low nutrients and low light.

 

[Dburr1014]

Phosphates need to be minimum 0.03 but better at 0.1

 

[Nordy]

I got the right supplies to do some coral feeding. It will be on my nightly to do list after lights are out. Definitely will work on getting some phosphate and nitrate numbers in an acceptable range. The Stylocoenelia is looking better today with normal intensity LED lighting.