Sps Stress

[dragonet]

My last shipment of coral arrived yesterday after spending 2 days getting here. They sat in Tennessee FedEX because of the storm. The heat packs were still warm and the coral looked OK. I did a slow acclimation, then a tech D dip then rinsed them off with water from my tank and put them in my system (50 gal 75lbs LR 70lbs DSB). I have kept them shaded so they are not getting full strength MH. They have developed a slight brown tint. Does anyone know any more things i can do to keep them from getting more brown? I have my skimmer runnning, 3 power heads, and charcoal in my media basket. The other livestock in my tank are happy, the other coral RBT are open. Thinking a water change tomorrow might be a good idea?

[smiller]

Just the fact that they have any color is a good sign. SPS are amazingly hardy corals and can take some major abuse and still amage to survive. IMO a water change can never hurt anything, but I don't think it would make any difference in your case. I would move them out of the shaded area to a low lighted area for a couple of days and then to the spot where you plan on keeping them. I have never been a fan of slow light aclimation but in your situation it might be best. I think you are OK.

[dragonet]

Thank you for your response. I was folllowing Anthony Calfo's recommendations for receiving coral in his "Book of Coral Propagation". He said to handle them less, so put them were you want them then shade them from above. I was able to do that cause i have a pendant light set up like yours over an acrylic tank(i went to your site) The polyps on the coral have opened so everything looks OK. I don't know if this is a better way of handling the coral or not.... we'll see. Your tank looks wonderful!