If I understand it correctly this is also from ther same coral. Perhaps Wendell could comfirm?
http://members.shaw.ca/jcross2/feb09_001_copy.JPG

I would have to say colour has returned to the skeleton of mine but the polyps remain a light brown. most new growth is the light blue.

Jamie, Can you think of anything that you have done that may attribute to the colour retention?

J

Yes its from the same colony.

There are so many factors its difficult to pinpoint to one specific parameter that is different in each system.

Patience and the color should come back.


Wendell

Thanks Wendell.

Jason, I'd have to agree with Wendell. For the most part it's tough to pinpoint one thing that is the desiding factor. Acclimation time can very between tanks as well as corals. I guess the trick to pulling the best/most color pigments is to create an enviroment were the coral doesn't host to much zooxanthellae. The brownish color of the zooxanthallae can wash out the vibrant colors. One must also remember that a stressed coral (such as from shipping)can expel zooxanthellae which can/will create a color that simply isn't posible in a healthy coral. Though I don't believe this to be the case with this coral. You also mention that the coenostreum has colored up but yet the polyps have not. The polyps are an area that naturally host the most zooxanthellae which is likely why you see what you do.

Thanks Wendell and Jamie I will keep my eye on it and let you all know what happens over time.

J

Can colouration be achived with 175w halides or do you need the 250w or 400w to get you that coloring in corals?