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Salty Q&A: Acropora Bleaching Fast!

by | Jul 31, 2016 | Corals, Fish, Invertebrates, Reef, Science

In general, acros are less tolerant of fluctuations in water parameters than other coralsQuestionI just introduced an Acropora to my 65-gallon reef tank, and it’s already starting to bleach on me. I’d say about one-quarter to one-third of the colony has already bleached, and it’s been in the tank less than a week. This is my first acro. Apart from it, I have several different varieties of soft corals and zoa colonies. The fish include 6 blue-green chromis, 1 royal gramma, 3 polka-dot cardinalfish, and 1 lawnmower blenny. All my water parameters are fine, and my lighting (high-output T5s) and water movement are both good. I placed the Acropora high in the tank close to the lights, so I know insufficient light isn’t the problem.

Great Barrier Reef hit by Widespread Coral Bleaching

by | Mar 31, 2016 | Corals, Events, Fish, Reef, Science

Australia’s Great Barrier Reef has been hit by widespread coral bleaching, which has the potential to be devastating to one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders. Battered by record warming on land and sea the past two years, coral reefs around the world have suffered bleaching events. When that happens, corals expel the symbiotic algae living in their tissues, causing corals to turn white or pale. Without the algae, the coral loses its major source of food and is more susceptible to disease. Starting in the North Pacific Ocean in the summer 2014, the bleaching expanded to the South Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean, and Atlantic Ocean in 2015. That prompted NOAA’s Coral Reef Watch in October to declare the third ever global bleaching event – after the 1997-1999

Reef Threads Podcast #252

by | Nov 11, 2015 | Corals, Podcast, Reef, Science


This formulation contains 6% oxybenzone. Keep it out of the reefs.

This week it’s sunscreen and reefs and making a mess in your aquarium with sand. Listen to the Evangelist provide some in-depth information about sunscreen ingredients, where they come from, and what to look for, all based on a study that indicates active ingredient oxybenzone is poisonous to corals at very low doses. We also talk about the joys of creating a dust storm in your aquarium when adding sand. Download the podcast here, or subscribe to our podcasts at iTunes. Also, follow us on Twitter at reefthreads.—Gary and Christine

Sponsor: Rod’s Food
Rod’s Food website

Oxybenzone in sunscreen
Wash your hands before putting them in your reef tank, Leonard Ho, Advanced Aquarist

Sand is everywhere
Added sand after water, I’m an idiot, Splix, Reef Central


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