SPS colors as related to certain seawater Elements

[Texreefer]

starting this thread so we don't have to post in for sale thread about colors in corals as related to this Article
http://reefbuilders.com/2008/09/03/g...-vivid-bright/
First let me say that I am not bashing the Author, he states that these are HIS opinions and HIS observations. I Just dont really agree with it. Basically, I think this article is a bunch of crap! Of Course the right levels of trace elements in seawater will help with growth and coloration of SPS. this article makes assumptions that Light, Nitrates, ETC. are all Perfect for the individual coral he is talking about, which he states. the authors progression through the different colors leads the casual reader to assume that if they can master one color they can then move on to the next with Purple being the hardest! What? Really? Then Im a freaking genius!!!.. what if your lighting type just doesn't support good Yellow growth... then no amount of supplements and testing are going to make it so.. Yes, I'm sure the elements he is talking about play a good roll in overall coloration, but IMO your asking for trouble if you start trying to tweak different trace element levels just to get specific colors...that is JUST MY OPINION! let the Discussion begin

[profntbtr]

I believe the contention is that certain colors need different trace elements. Makes sense to me. It isn't saying that you can start with yellow and master that, then graduate to greens, and so on, only that certain colors are tied to different nutrients. Could be untrue, but I know that deficiencies or overabundance of various nutrients can lead to specific ailments, and I don't see why coral would be that greatly different.( I.e. Too much silver will make you blue, too much beta carotene will turn you orange, scurvy, or gout)doesn't seem absurd that zooxanthellae of different colors might have different nutritional needs.

[StevenSeas]

This isnt a new thought process or idea. Look at zeovit method. This method will keep your nutrients in check and then specific supplements are added to enhance certain colors of SPS. Brightwells has a great 18 or so pg pdf on their website about the NeoZeo method (their take on it) and explains how each of these plays a vital role in the coloration of the corals.

[Texreefer]

Both great points and I agree with both of you ... my point is more to how he implied success,,, this is an exact quote from the Article...."I would suggest starting with an acropora that is yellow. If you can get it to say yellow for several months, you should be ready for something else."

Read more: http://reefbuilders.com/2008/09/03/g...#ixzz1oTIj5YKY

Seems to suggest that yellow is the baseline color.. if you can master that you are ready to try improving other colors... IMO maintaining yellow is one of the more difficult colors

[jrnannery]

Ahem...I have a post asking foir a green acro and another asking for a yellow acro specifically so that I can try this out. Mostly so I can see, based on his methodology, whether I am treating my corals properly. If the yellow is nice and bright with no tint of green, then I know I have that basic level of water chemistry correct, then i move on to the next color to see if I have that one right.

I kinda think it might be hooey with a bit of science thrown in, but, if it turns out to work, it really might be a good way to keep track of your husbandry techniques.

[CoryDude]

I started using the red sea coral color program last year. Iodine for pinks, potassium for reds, iron for green, and trace elements such as gold for the blue colors. I even bought the coral color multi test kit to test for iodine, iron, and potassium. The corals looked great, but I would not attribute that to red sea's additives.

I've always felt stabile alk, ph, calcium, temps, and lighting were more important to the the look of the acros than my levels of gold. I still use the red sea additives, but mainly because I do very little in water changes and want to replace the depleted elements in the tank.