Why does my CB Bloodbath Favia fade from deep crimson to dull brick tones under strong light?

Favia favus morphs can downregulate pigments under high PAR or overly blue-heavy spectrums. Target moderate PAR (80–150) with a balanced blue/white mix and gradual acclimation. If fading occurs, lower intensity 15–20% weekly and extend dark period by 30 minutes. Stable nitrate 5–15 ppm and phosphate 0.03–0.1 ppm support richer coloration; ultra-low nutrients often wash out reds.

My colony shows night-time feeder extension but minimal daytime polyp activity—normal or problem?

Normal. This species is a crepuscular/nocturnal feeder. Encourage stronger daytime extension by establishing a predictable feeding cue 15–30 minutes before lights out (amino solution or diluted oyster/rotifer mix). Keep flow laminar-to-moderate so tentacles can capture food without folding. Sudden swings in alkalinity or salinity suppress extension; verify stability before assuming pests or disease.

How do I prevent “valley recession” where tissue retracts between corallites while mouths look fine?

This pattern often signals chronic low flow under the colony or detritus accumulation. Elevate the frag/colony to increase underside turnover, and adjust flow to sweep across valleys. Supplement small, frequent feedings to support tissue between septa. Check for hidden vermetids or spicules irritating the coenosteum. Maintain alkalinity 8–9.5 dKH and magnesium 1300–1400 ppm to promote steady calcification across ridges.

Are “sweeper” stings from this coral stronger than typical Favias, and how should I place it?

Many Bloodbath morphs throw 2–4 inch sweepers with potent nematocysts, especially after target feeding. Give a 3–5 inch buffer from fleshy LPS and softies downcurrent. Avoid placing near similarly pigmented Favids to limit aggression. If neighboring corals show blistering, shift flow to deflect sweepers at night and reduce heavy feeding frequency, which can trigger longer, more aggressive extension.

CB Bloodbath Favia Coral

Favia

Overview

CB Bloodbath Favia Coral displays deep red to burgundy polygonal corallites with contrasting mouths. Favia favus is a large-polyp stony, dome-forming brain coral that does well under moderate lighting and low to moderate, steady water flow. It is photosynthetic via symbiotic algae but benefits from occasional small meaty feedings at night, which can boost growth and color. Place on stable rock with space around it, as nighttime sweeper tentacles can sting nearby corals.

Quick Facts

Care Moderate

Lighting Low–Moderate

Flow Moderate, indirect

Placement Low–Mid

Temperament Semi-aggressive (6 inches spacing)

Recommended Parameters

Temp 76–80°F

pH 8.1–8.4

Salinity 1.025–1.026

Calcium 400–450 ppm

AlkAlkalinity 8–10 dKH

Magnesium 1280–1350 ppm

Feeding photosynthetic, mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped krill or clam, zooplankton, microplankton, coral-specific powdered foods (e.g., Reef-Roids), marine snow, LPS pellets

Care & Placement

CB Bloodbath Favia Coral (Favia favus) is a hardy LPS that thrives with stable, moderate conditions. Provide low to moderate light (PAR 80–150); start on the sandbed or lower rock and slowly increase exposure over 2–3 weeks to avoid bleaching. Use moderate, indirect flow to keep tissue gently moving and prevent detritus buildup without blasting the polyps. Target feed 1–2 times weekly after lights dim with small meaty foods (mysis, finely chopped seafood) or coral foods; this supports growth and color. Maintain: temperature 75–79°F (24–26°C), salinity 1.025–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4, alkalinity 8.0–9.5 dKH, calcium 400–450 ppm, magnesium 1250–1350 ppm, nitrate 2–10 ppm, phosphate 0.03–0.08 ppm. Test weekly; Favia is sensitive to rapid swings, especially alkalinity.Place low to mid in the tank with 3–6 inches of space from neighbors. Expect long nocturnal sweeper tentacles that can sting nearby corals; avoid crowding delicate SPS or zoas. Acclimate with a drip for 30–45 minutes, dip to remove pests, and light-acclimate using a screen or reduced intensity. Avoid touching fleshy tissue; handle by the skeleton. If color washes out, lower light or shorten photoperiod; if tissue recedes, check alkalinity stability, nutrients (don’t run zero nitrate/phosphate), and inspect for pests. Brown jelly or rapid recession calls for a coral dip and improved flow. Keep the skeleton free of algae by maintaining clean, stable water and consistent husbandry.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the CB Bloodbath Favia Coral

Why does my CB Bloodbath Favia fade from deep crimson to dull brick tones under strong light?

Favia favus morphs can downregulate pigments under high PAR or overly blue-heavy spectrums. Target moderate PAR (80–150) with a balanced blue/white mix and gradual acclimation. If fading occurs, lower intensity 15–20% weekly and extend dark period by 30 minutes. Stable nitrate 5–15 ppm and phosphate 0.03–0.1 ppm support richer coloration; ultra-low nutrients often wash out reds.
My colony shows night-time feeder extension but minimal daytime polyp activity—normal or problem?

Normal. This species is a crepuscular/nocturnal feeder. Encourage stronger daytime extension by establishing a predictable feeding cue 15–30 minutes before lights out (amino solution or diluted oyster/rotifer mix). Keep flow laminar-to-moderate so tentacles can capture food without folding. Sudden swings in alkalinity or salinity suppress extension; verify stability before assuming pests or disease.
How do I prevent “valley recession” where tissue retracts between corallites while mouths look fine?

This pattern often signals chronic low flow under the colony or detritus accumulation. Elevate the frag/colony to increase underside turnover, and adjust flow to sweep across valleys. Supplement small, frequent feedings to support tissue between septa. Check for hidden vermetids or spicules irritating the coenosteum. Maintain alkalinity 8–9.5 dKH and magnesium 1300–1400 ppm to promote steady calcification across ridges.
Are “sweeper” stings from this coral stronger than typical Favias, and how should I place it?

Many Bloodbath morphs throw 2–4 inch sweepers with potent nematocysts, especially after target feeding. Give a 3–5 inch buffer from fleshy LPS and softies downcurrent. Avoid placing near similarly pigmented Favids to limit aggression. If neighboring corals show blistering, shift flow to deflect sweepers at night and reduce heavy feeding frequency, which can trigger longer, more aggressive extension.

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