Yellow Leather Coloring Issue -02/21/2008
Good Morning WWM Crew,
I'm writing today to inquire more about a coral vanity question rather than its health.
<Not to get too philosophical, but shouldn't these be more one in the same? How "beautiful" could any unhealthy coral be?>
I got the most spectacular yellow figi leather a few months back. As you can see in the picture attached it is sunshine yellow. (Forgive the unhappiness of the coral, the picture was taken only moments after introduction into my tank).
<Please see here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/dyedcorals.htm>
I have it situated approximately 5² below the waterline under 4 54W T5 bulbs. (1 white, 2 Blue, 1 Purple). Over time it has gradually become more brown in color towards the edges of the skin and
the polyps.
<Hmmm, this tends to happen as dyed corals recover.>
It is growing nicely and extends its polyps daily,
<awesome>
but it just isn't the same spectacular sight anymore.
<Sure it is... but it's spectacular in a different color now.>
Is the discoloration from lack of light or too much light? I've also attached a picture of the whole tank so you can see that it is placed far enough away from any other corals that might be causing chemical warfare.
<Well, as far as chemical warfare goes, I'd worry more about the leather coral(s) hurting the stony corals. Leather corals can be quite toxic to many stony corals.>
Iım interested to know your opinion and your recommendations for how to get the old color back. (Please note these are old pictures and do not accurately portray the color now)
<The best advice I can give you is to care for the coral as best you can and to maybe be a bit more "flexible" in what you consider beautiful. Or, if you really must have a bright yellow coral, try to find one that's naturally that way (rather than artificially dyed that color).>
Sincere Regards,
Jessica L.
<Best,
Sara M.>