Why does my Favia of the Gods extend long sweepers at night, and how far should I space it from neighbors?

This species sends out aggressive sweeper tentacles after lights out, often 2–6 inches, to secure feeding territory. Give at least 6 inches of clearance from other LPS and even more from delicate SPS. A brief evening target feed can reduce “searching” behavior, and slightly higher, variable flow helps keep sweepers shorter without stressing tissue.

My coral’s colors dulled after a few weeks. How can I keep the neon rim and contrasting centers vivid?

Bright coloration depends on stable nutrients and spectrum. Aim for 5–15 ppm nitrate and 0.03–0.08 ppm phosphate; ultra-low nutrients wash out pigment, while excess turns it brown. Provide 100–150 PAR with strong blue/violet. Avoid rapid light increases; ramp over 2–3 weeks. Regular small amino feedings and diverse meaty foods at night support fluorescence.

I’m seeing slow tissue loss from the base upward. What’s the likely cause and fix?

Base recession often tracks shadowed, low-flow areas where detritus and vermetid mucus irritate tissue. Increase cross-flow, gently turkey-baste the base, and remove nearby vermetids. Trim or re-angle rock to improve light penetration. An iodine dip can halt mild bacterial spread; if brown jelly appears, frag above the affected zone and improve oxygenation.

Can this coral handle turbid or “dirtier” water like in natural lagoons?

Yes, it adapts well to slightly turbid conditions if parameters are stable. Intermittent fine particulates can even boost feeding, but keep organics controlled. Use random flow to keep sediment from settling on the polyp mouths. If sand accumulates, gently blow it off; prolonged burial of the rim leads to localized die-off and algae on exposed skeleton.

Favia of the Gods Favia Coral

Favia

Overview

Favia of the Gods Favia Coral shows rounded, maze-like polyps with contrasting mouths on a domed colony. Favia favus is a stony, massive brain coral that does well under moderate lighting and moderate water flow. It relies on symbiotic algae for energy but accepts small meaty foods at night, which can support faster growth and deeper color. Place with space from neighbors, as sweeper tentacles can sting nearby corals.

Quick Facts

Care Moderate

Lighting Low–Moderate

Flow Moderate indirect

Placement Low–Mid

Temperament Aggressive (6–8 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 marine meaty foods, copepods, zooplankton, microplankton, coral-specific powdered foods, reef roids, marine snow

Care & Placement

Favia of the Gods Favia Coral (Favia favus) thrives under moderate, stable conditions. Provide 75–125 PAR lighting; start on the lower end and increase slowly to prevent bleaching. Aim for low to moderate, indirect flow—enough to keep detritus off the skeleton but not strong enough to whip tissue. Target feed 1–3 times weekly at night when feeder tentacles extend; use small meaty foods (mysis, chopped shrimp, reef pellets) and occasional amino acids. Keep temperature 75–78°F (24–26°C), salinity 1.025–1.026 (35 ppt), pH 8.1–8.4, alkalinity 8.0–9.5 dKH, calcium 400–450 ppm, magnesium 1300–1400 ppm, nitrate 2–15 ppm, phosphate 0.03–0.1 ppm. Test weekly (more often in new tanks) and avoid rapid swings—this coral is sensitive to sudden changes, especially in alkalinity and salinity.Place low to mid in the tank on a rock ledge or stable base, not on shifting sand. Leave 3–6+ inches of space; at night it can send out long sweeper tentacles that sting neighbors. Acclimate with a drip method and light acclimation (start shaded or lower). Quarantine and dip new frags to reduce pests. Common issues: pale tissue (too much light or too little nutrients), brown-out (low light/high nutrients), recession from base (alk swings, pests, or excessive flow). If tissue recedes, stabilize parameters, reduce light slightly, improve gentle flow, and increase targeted feeding until recovery.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Favia of the Gods Favia Coral

Why does my Favia of the Gods extend long sweepers at night, and how far should I space it from neighbors?

This species sends out aggressive sweeper tentacles after lights out, often 2–6 inches, to secure feeding territory. Give at least 6 inches of clearance from other LPS and even more from delicate SPS. A brief evening target feed can reduce “searching” behavior, and slightly higher, variable flow helps keep sweepers shorter without stressing tissue.
My coral’s colors dulled after a few weeks. How can I keep the neon rim and contrasting centers vivid?

Bright coloration depends on stable nutrients and spectrum. Aim for 5–15 ppm nitrate and 0.03–0.08 ppm phosphate; ultra-low nutrients wash out pigment, while excess turns it brown. Provide 100–150 PAR with strong blue/violet. Avoid rapid light increases; ramp over 2–3 weeks. Regular small amino feedings and diverse meaty foods at night support fluorescence.
I’m seeing slow tissue loss from the base upward. What’s the likely cause and fix?

Base recession often tracks shadowed, low-flow areas where detritus and vermetid mucus irritate tissue. Increase cross-flow, gently turkey-baste the base, and remove nearby vermetids. Trim or re-angle rock to improve light penetration. An iodine dip can halt mild bacterial spread; if brown jelly appears, frag above the affected zone and improve oxygenation.
Can this coral handle turbid or “dirtier” water like in natural lagoons?

Yes, it adapts well to slightly turbid conditions if parameters are stable. Intermittent fine particulates can even boost feeding, but keep organics controlled. Use random flow to keep sediment from settling on the polyp mouths. If sand accumulates, gently blow it off; prolonged burial of the rim leads to localized die-off and algae on exposed skeleton.