bleaching coral

[at]

I have a Trachyphllia that was flourescent green for about 2 months. I went out of town for a day and a half and it was almost completely white. That was Sunday today Thursday it is starting to get some brown patches on it and there is only a little bit of green left. He looks Ok bodywise he has just lost color. A couple of different books I have read said this is almost common, but they all have different results ok in 1-2 weeks, ok in1-2 months,death, etc. All water parameters seem ok PH a little low at 8.1 but all other animals are doing fine. Any ideas? Thanks Andy

[graphixx]

what is the temp in the tank???

[at]

79-80 degrees

[graphixx]

I would keep an eye on him make sure there is not some sort of parasite on him or anything like that. you might try spot feeding him. good luck keep us posted

[at]

What should I spot feed him with?

[at]

Today the bright green has not receeded any, but the brown streaks seem to be getting bigger. They almost seem like decay.

[lReef lKeeper]

mine likes frozen mysis shrimp, i would try that first and feed him when the lights are out and his feeding tentacles are extended. i feed mine every other night about an hour after the times shut the lights off.

[PurpleAardvark]

Trachyphllia are one of those brains that do not like to be in direct intense light. If you shade it for a while the color will come back. They are a very hardy animal except when it comes to light changes. Also take it out and do a logal's dip on the coral that will help with the receading.

[at]

It has been about 2 1/2 3 weeks now since I have been able to get back to you guys, I have tried moving the Trach to a shaded area of the tank, and tried feeding him mysis shrimp for the past 2 weeks or so. He is now completley white and still solid. It does not move when I touch it, but it has not shriveled or shrank. Is he alive or dead or in purgatory? Any ideas Thanks Andy

[PurpleAardvark]

It will take him a while to recover but just leave him put. Also don't over feed it. I would say maybe once a week until the color comes back. He is still alive , just has a hagover from getting to much light.